Woman files for divorce, cites partner infidelity

A Maseru woman has filed for divorce in the Matala Local Court, accusing her partner of infidelity.

‘Mabohlokoa Mothobi from Ha-Thamae told court president, Manthuntsi Ntšala, on Tuesday that week that her marriage to Mashali Mothobi had broken down irretrievably and there were not prospects of saving it.

Ntšala adjourned the case to December 9, as Mashali was found to be concealing some of the couple’s shared assets.

In her testimony, ‘Mabohlokoa stated that she became pregnant with Mashali’s child in 2021, while they were in a romantic relationship but not yet married.

‘Mabohlokoa said after giving birth to their baby in 2022, she returned to work and requested that Mashali ask his mother to care for their child. However, Mashali’s mother refused, citing that she couldn’t care for a child of uncertain parentage.

According to ‘Mabohlokoa, this prompted Mashali to formally introduce her to his mother and arrange a traditional Sesotho marriage ceremony. It was during this ceremony that she was given the name ”Mabohlokoa’, symbolising her integration into the family.

‘Mabohlokoa testified that after moving in with Mashali’s family, she discovered he was having an affair.

She claimed Mashali would often stay out late or not come home at all. She even caught sight of the woman involved.

‘Mabohlokoa submitted that the atmosphere at home deteriorated, with frequent arguments and tension making cohabitation unbearable, leading her to move out.

She noted that despite their separation, they initially shared custody of the baby and attempted to co-parent. However, tensions escalated when Mashali took ‘Mabohlokoa to court, seeking to restrict her access to their child.

On one occasion when ‘Mabohlokoa went to Mashali’s home to collect the baby as per their arrangement, Mashali’s mother relayed a message from him, stating she was no longer allowed to see or take the child.

‘Mabohlokoa further pleaded with the court to assist her in dissolving the marriage and requested a fair share of the couple’s assets, which she claimed included two vehicles and a plot of land.

In his defence, Mashali stated that he agrees to the dissolution of the marriage, citing the persistent arguments and incompatibility between them.

However, he vehemently denied ‘Mabohlokoa’s allegations of infidelity, asserting that he had remained faithful throughout their relationship.

Regarding the assets, Mashali claimed that he does not have any joint assets with ‘Mabohlokoa. He explained that the cars she referred to were actually client vehicles, as he works as a mechanic.

Mashali also denied any knowledge of a shared plot of land, stating that he is unaware of such an asset.

Court president Ntšala adjourned the case to December 9, stating that further investigations were necessary due to Mashali’s denial of certain allegations.

The adjournment would allow the court to gather more evidence before reaching a conclusion.