Wife demands all assets in divorce dispute

The Matala Local Court this week heard a case involving a couple seeking divorce due to alleged infidelity.

The case involved Ramoliehi Soakana, a 42-year-old man, and his wife Moliehi Mokhokho.

Mokhokho testified in court that she and Soakana got married traditionally in 2006, with a ceremony that included five cows as part of the lobola. They had their first child, a girl, in 2007, followed by two boys in 2011 and 2022.

She stated that they had been living harmoniously until her husband began making excessive demands, insisting she does household chores and stop working.

Mokhokho explained that she was working at their café, but her husband insisted she quit, citing that she was not managing household responsibilities, specifically having no food prepared in the evenings. He also accused her of gossiping with village women during work hours.

Mokhokho agreed to leave her job and focus on being a housewife. She said Soakana then hired her sister to run the café, but later complained about her performance.

Mokhokho submitted that Soakana fired her sister from the café, claiming she was not performing well, and then hired his own sister and her other sister (Mokhokho’s), whom he had an affair with.

Mokhokho said conflicts escalated after that, leading Soakana to leave her and the children, stating he intends to marry his new partner, hence she wanted a divorce.

On his part, Soakana told the court that he saw Mokhokho struggling to balance household responsibilities with running the shop, prompting him to hire staff.

He also alleged that Mokhokho had a secret affair, which led to his loss of interest in their relationship.

Mokhokho urged the court to facilitate a divorce, requesting that Soakana relinquishes all assets including two cars, a truck, cattle, a house, and the shop to her and the children, as he intends to marry another wife.

Matala Local Court President Ntšala instructed the couple to return on February 13 with a detailed, documented list of their shared assets.