‘I hid in the wardrobe, he came to find me there’, says man who assaulted his lover’s husband

A Zimbabwean man, Dickson Musopelo, has described the circumstances leading to his assaulting another man in his matrimonial bedroom after sleeping with his wife.

Musopelo was defending himself in an assault charge before a Matero Local Court in Zimbabwe, after a serving army officer, identified as Officer Kay, laid complaints against him.

Officer Kay told the court that he was assaulted after allegedly discovering Dickson Musopelo in his matrimonial bedroom.

Musopelo has denied the allegation in the case being tried by Lusaka magistrate Victora Mututwa.

Officer’s account

Testifying in court, the complainant, identified as Officer Kay, said he returned home unexpectedly on September 26, 2025, while on assignment outside town.

According to his testimony, he entered his bedroom and allegedly found Musopelo with his wife, Melody Kuliwa. He told the court that the discovery led to a confrontation.

Officer Kay claimed the situation escalated into a physical struggle during which he sustained injuries he believes were inflicted by the accused. He further stated that despite the circumstances, he restrained himself from attacking the pair beyond the altercation that ensued.

Dickson Musopelo claims self-defence

In his defence, Musopelo maintained that he acted to protect himself, alleging that the officer was the aggressor.

He told the court that he had gone to Ms Kuliwa’s residence after she informed him she was separated from her husband. According to him, at about 10:30 p.m., she alerted him that Officer Kay had arrived, prompting him to hide in a wardrobe to avoid confrontation.

Musopelo said the officer later opened the wardrobe and grabbed him, leading to a scuffle. He alleged that punches were thrown and that during the struggle, he fell into a bathtub where water began to accumulate.

He claimed he was struck multiple times and responded by punching Officer Kay once with his left hand. 

Musopelo further told the court that he briefly lost consciousness before leaving the house with Ms Kuliwa.

During cross-examination, the accused admitted he had no medical evidence to substantiate his claim that he was assaulted. When questioned by the prosecutor about being found in the couple’s matrimonial bedroom, he denied engaging in sexual activity.

The case has been adjourned as proceedings continue before the court.

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