She was ugly, very ugly. There was no shadow or sign of
beauty on her wrinkled face. She looked
old, round about forty nine but she had just turned twenty four. She was a black
woman better described as dark. She wore a size ten shoe, had several scars on
her face and a few teeth to compliment her at least. She wore a long black dress which made her
look Muslim but the red cross made her look like a mourning nun, so one could
not tell her religion. Her name was Takazvaranenzara meaning we were born with poverty, because it was too long
and hard to pronounce the court cut it down to Taka.
Born in the mountains of Mutare, Taka was the last born to
her mother who was married to a polygamous man of five wives. Ruth, Taka’s mother was the third wife. She
never bore a son. Ruth had two girls; one died of a rare infection at fourteen
the same infection that took Ruth three years later. At the age of twelve, Taka
got married and a year later she gave birth to her daughter Namata. She never
enjoyed any part of her youth. She was denied a chance to go and learn how to
read and write.
Her name was called forth by the judge and her case
presented for the first time. She requested for an interpreter to help her
throughout the session.
‘’Takazvaranenzara Gumbo, on the 1st of October
2001 in Mutare at 01:30am you stabbed Thomas Gumbo who is now deceased and was your
husband fifteen times on his chest, arms and head until he was dead. You went
on to burn the hut which he was sleeping in. He body was found half burnt by
neighbours who witnessed and found you in possession of the murder weapon.
The unnamed witnesses went on to testify and say that they heard you confess to
the killings. Do you accept the charges that are being laid against you today?’’
Though Taka was a very ugly woman there was beauty in her voice.
Every morning she would sing on her way to the well to fetch some water. She
once sang in a funeral and it was rumoured that the dead woman nodded her head
in respect and honour of the beautiful voice. She was a born singer it was a
gift that God had given her straight from above.
She quietly responded by saying yes to all the acquisition. She was remanded in prison without bail. ‘’You
have a right to a lawyer if you cannot afford one a state lawyer shall be made
available to you” said the judge.
Chapter 2 coming very soon. #keep reading and post your comments.
written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube
a saxjax7 production
all rights reserved
follow me @hawulethu
saxjaz7@yahoo.co.uk
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