‘MP Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga ‘Allegedly Assaulted, Late Brother’s Wife At Funeral Parlour’

UMZINGWANE Member of Parliament and ardent women’s rights defender, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga allegedly teamed up with her sister to assault her late brother’s wife during a wake at a funeral parlour in Bulawayo.

Witnesses said Misihairabwi-Mushonga and her sister Sindisiwe Nkiwane beat up Irene Matekenya, 26, during the body viewing of her late husband Privilege Matekenya, 29.

Family members said Privilege committed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train in Mahatshula suburb on Sunday last week allegedly after being ditched by his wife.

The source said Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s family had barred Irene and her relatives from attending the funeral.

A relative who was at the funeral said Irene viewed her husband’s body and collapsed.

“Sindisiwe appeared enraged and went on to kick and slap her accusing her of shedding crocodile tears,” said the source. The relative said Privilege had tried to kill himself on at least three occasions before separating with Irene.

According to a police report, Misihairabwi-Mushonga followed Irene outside and shoved her. She also allegedly tried to snatch her four-year-old son from her arms.

Misihairabwi-Mushonga confirmed Irene reported her for assault at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

“She lied to the police because I never laid a hand on her,” said Misihairabwi-Mushonga.

The MP said she was told there was a scuffle involving her sister, Irene and her brother during body viewing.

“It was actually her brother who kicked her while he was trying to kick Sindisiwe,” she said.

The legislator said she had intervened outside the parlour when she advised Irene and her family to go away as tempers were flaring.

She said they had actually advised Irene and her family to stay away because some relatives were angry following Privilege’s suicide.

“Some relatives think he killed himself because Irene ditched him. I’m told she told him in front of my others sisters that she was going out with someone else and was no longer interested in him, hours before his death,” said Misihairabwi-Mushonga.

She denied shoving Irene or trying to take her son from her.

Misihairabwi-Mushonga said there was someone filming the funeral and the truth would come out when the video became available.

“Unless I had lost it and gone mad, I would never do such a thing. I know the laws of this country. That would be the last thing I would do or wish to happen to someone because I’m also a victim of a similar issue,” she said.

Meanwhile, Supt Moyo has discouraged members of the public from resorting to violence to resolve disputes.

He said people should seek counselling or mediation from elders, the police or religious organisations to reach amicable solutions to misunderstandings.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Superintendent Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed the incident which happened on Friday.

“We’ve received a case of assault involving the MP and the matter is under investigation,” said Supt Moyo. Source: chronicle

photo- MP Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga-radiodialogue