Last week I visited my long-time soccer coach — let’s call him Tshifhiwa. The last time I had seen him was nearly 20 years ago. Back then, he was a mentor of good moral character, a respected teacher and a soccer coach who inspired many of us in Tshitakani village.
Fast forward to today.
Tshifhiwa is now wheelchair-bound after narrowly surviving a brutal attack in which he sustained severe head injuries.
When I arrived at his home with my cousin, I expected him to recognise us. Instead, I found a man who was no longer the vibrant, energetic motivator I remembered. His face was deeply scarred, reshaped by his injuries, and his silence spoke louder than words.
We greeted him, but he only nodded. The woman caring for him, Vho Sara, then shared what had happened.
According to her, Tshifhiwa had always been devoted to sport, education and his community. She said everything changed after he got married. His wife allegedly humiliated him in public and frequently shouted at him in front of neighbours. Away from her, he remained the cheerful Tshifhiwa many people knew. In her presence, however, he became withdrawn and quiet.
Vho Sara also alleged that rumours circulated that his wife had rekindled a relationship with a former partner, with whom she had a child. She was reportedly seen with him in shopping centres, explaining that they were discussing matters relating to their child.
According to Vho Sara, Tshifhiwa confided in his pastor that he had not shared intimacy with his wife for three years and that she controlled his bank card and finances.
She further alleged that one evening his wife asked him to accompany her to visit a friend in a remote area. A few minutes into the journey, they were ambushed. Tshifhiwa was attacked and left for dead, while his wife fled the scene, later claiming she had been overcome by fear and only reached a nearby house hours afterwards.
When police and paramedics arrived, Tshifhiwa was still alive, but he had sustained life-changing injuries. According to Vho Sara, his wife left soon afterwards and never returned.
As we sat there, Tshifhiwa occasionally glanced at us, as though fragments of memory were returning. We bade him farewell, but the encounter stayed with me for days.
VKRA Remarks
That visit deeply affected me. It still echoes in my mind. How do we prevent tragedies such as this? An injury to one is an injury to all.
Men, why are so many suffering in silence? As soon as you recognise the warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, seek help and support. Do not suffer alone.
The Bible offers a sobering parallel in the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson, a man chosen by God, was betrayed by the woman he loved. Delilah sold him out for silver, cutting off the source of his strength and delivering him to his enemies. Like Tshifhiwa, Samson's downfall came not from strangers, but from someone close to him.
The lesson is that betrayal can come from those we trust most. Guard your heart, exercise wisdom and remember that genuine love builds rather than destroys.