UK ADULTERY STORM AT THE HIGH COURT

A Zimbabwean woman based in the United Kingdom has sued for adultery another Zimbabwean also based in the UK.   Jill Chawapiwa Chikore deman...

A Zimbabwean woman based in the United Kingdom has sued for adultery another Zimbabwean also based in the UK.  Jill Chawapiwa Chikore demanded US$50 000 from Hellen Maworera at the High Court in Zimbabwe for engaging in an adulterous relationship with her husband, Jabulani Tawanda Chikore, since July 2020.

But Maworera said the court has no jurisdiction over this matter as both parties are British citizens who are permanently resident in the United Kingdom. Chikore argued that she is a Zimbabwean and that their marriage was solemnised in the country, giving the court power to hand down an effective judgment.

She said the adultery was also committed at her matrimonial home in Zimbabwe. High Court judge Justice Emilia Muchawa said in order for a court to make an effective and binding decision on a case, it should have both subject matter jurisdiction and the personal matter jurisdiction.

“In casu, though this court has jurisdiction over the subject matter, it is unclear if it has the power over the parties to the matter. It is clear from the summons and declaration that the plaintiff has not made adequate averments to establish jurisdiction.”

Case dismissed.