Infidelity leads to marriage breakdown

The Matala Local Court has dissolved the marriage of a Ha-Abia couple after finding that the husband’s infidelity led to the breakdown of their relationship.

The case involving ‘Maboitumelo Seroai (38) and Retšelisitsoe Seroai (48), both from Ha-Abia, was heard on Tuesday this week.

In her testimony, ‘Maboitumelo told the court that the two were married in a traditional ceremony in 2015 and later established a home together.

She said their marital problems began in 2016 when Retšelisitsoe started an extramarital affair.

“He would come home late, and whenever I confronted him about it, he would become violent and lash out at me,” she testified.

‘Maboitumelo said she sought help from her mother and mother-in-law, who tried to mediate through a disciplinary meeting to resolve the matter, but an undeterred Retšelisitsoe continued his affair with the same woman.

She noted that her husband’s insults and violent behaviour worsened with time, prompting her to report the matter to the Lithoteng police.

At the station, Retšelisitsoe reportedly told her he no longer wished to continue the marriage.

Acting on police advice, ‘Maboitumelo packed her belongings and returned to her parents’ home in 2016, where she has lived since.

In his response, Retšelisitsoe told the court that although he still loved his wife, he would not oppose the dissolution of the marriage if that was her wish.

‘Maboitumelo pleaded with Court President Mathuntsi Ntšala to grant the divorce, saying she no longer loved her husband.

In her ruling, President Ntšala dissolved the marriage

She ordered that the couple’s jointly owned property be sold, with the proceeds to be shared equally between them.