Marapira Divorce Exposes Cushy lifestyle & Primitive Accumulation in Zanu PF 

I will not share property I earned from politics – Marapira tells wife

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Davis Marapira, is adamant that his estranged wife, Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira (née Mutendi), should not receive property that he got through politics as part of their divorce settlement.

The divorce involving Davis Marapira and Sibusisiwe Melody Marapira, the daughter of Nehemiah Mutendi, exposes the rosy life and easy accumulation of wealth that Zanu PF leaders enjoy.

There are five state-of-the-art vehicles to be distributed, an undisclosed number of farms, and properties in upmarket suburbs, including Borrowdale and South Africa.

In a plea entered at the High Court in Harare on July 23, 2026, Marapira, through his lawyers, Chibaya Law Chambers, argues that properties including vehicles and farms that he obtained from Government, political connections or his party (Zanu PF) are of sentimental value and cannot be shared in the distribution of the matrimonial estate.

He also argues that property he acquired before the solemnization of the marriage should not be distributed to Sibusisiwe.

“Plaintiff has no contribution cognizable and relative to oust the defendant’s sentimental value to the properties…

“The defendant’s involvement in national politics constitutes a fundamental aspect of his personal and professional life. The assets in question are inextricably linked to his political career, public service and personal history, embodying significant memories, experiences and achievements accumulated over many years.

“Their loss would therefore occasion substantial personal prejudice beyond their mere monetary value,” reads Marapira’s plea.

Although not specified, it is noted in the plea that Marapira has several farms which he got either through Government or his political connections, and he said these are not supposed to be shared.

The farms are not listed in Marapira’s plea, but indicated are four state-of-the-art vehicles which he got from Government and Zanu PF and which, he argued, are not supposed to be distributed. These are a Land Rover Defender (AGQ 5976), Ford Motor (AGH 3338), Toyota Land Cruiser (AFK 1988) and a Nissan Navara from Zanu PF (AGE 0797).

Marapira argues that Sibusisiwe drives a South African-registered Ford Ranger Platinum, registration number MM-13-GC_GP, which he bought for her. He questioned why Sibusisiwe did not disclose that vehicle in the divorce papers.

However, Marapira offered to give Sibusisiwe a fully furnished residential apartment in Pretoria, South Africa, a fully furnished four-bedroomed house in Defe, Gokwe, and an industrial property in Masvingo.

Marapira would, in turn, get a low-density stand in Clipsham, Masvingo, and Number 589 Campbell Road, Borrowdale.

The other contentious issue in the divorce is the custody of the children. – MasvingoMirror.