Divorce Cases Increase by 27% at the High Court.

The High Court of Zimbabwe received 3 989 divorce applications in 2025, marking a 27 percent increase from 3 138 cases in 2024. Despite the surge in filings, completed divorces fell by 15 percent, from 2 939 to 2 493, highlighting mounting pressure on the courts.

Harare led with 2 386 registrations, up 23 percent, while completed cases dropped from 1 844 to 1 393. Bulawayo saw a 40 percent increase in registrations, with 1 052 cases, but completions declined to 640. Smaller stations such as Masvingo, Mutare, and Chinhoyi recorded more stable trends.

Marriage statistics show that 11 160 couples were married nationwide in 2025, with Harare accounting for 4 053 unions, indicating that while marriage remains popular, stability is under strain.

Experts point to labour migration, changing gender dynamics, economic hardship, and weakened traditional family support as key drivers of marital breakdowns. Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chairperson Ms Fungayi Jessie Majome noted greater legal awareness and access to justice have empowered individuals—particularly women—to seek divorce.

Bulawayo lawyer Mrs Nikiwe Ncube-Tshabalala said economic factors and diaspora separations fuel divorces, while counsellor Mr Prince Butshe-Dube and family law expert Ms Nozabelo Ndlovu highlighted social shifts and financial independence as contributing factors.

Retired High Court judge Justice Lawrence Kamocha cited infidelity, prolonged separation, and physical and emotional abuse as major causes, advising parents to avoid excessive interference in young couples’ marriages.

Marriage counsellor Mr Innocent Moyo and Reverend Mkhululi Tshuma called for continuous counselling and stronger community and church involvement to strengthen marriages and prepare couples adequately.

Source: The Herald