In an extraordinary demonstration of devotion, 23-year-old Hazel Mangwiro has pledged to remain celibate until her fiancé, Taurai ‘‘Prosper’’ Vanhuvaone, is released from prison. Vanhuvaone, a convicted fake doctor, received his verdict on March 20 this year, the very day Mangwiro made her heartfelt vow. Having followed every court proceeding with tear-filled eyes, Hazel has now bravely opened up about her profound relationship with the man she describes as the love of her life.
While long
prison sentences often strain relationships to breaking point, Hazel is
determined to prove that their love can endure even the harshest of trials.
“It’s not an
easy decision, but it feels right. Prosper and I share a deep connection, and
physical intimacy is an important part of that. But I want our first time
together after his release to be special — a symbol of our commitment and the
journey we’ve been through. I don’t care what the world says. I love my man and
will stand by him,” she said.
Hazel
acknowledged that her decision, though deeply personal, is likely to spark
mixed reactions.
“It’s not for
everyone. Celibacy can be challenging, especially in a long-term relationship.
Open communication, strong emotional support, and healthy coping mechanisms are
crucial. I know people might think I’m young and naïve, but I’m in love with
him.”
Despite the
challenges, she remains resolute, focusing on maintaining a strong emotional
bond with Vanhuvaone through regular prison visits. She also emphasised the
importance of self-care, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
“It’s about
more than just abstaining. It’s about supporting Prosper, staying true to
myself, and building a future together, brick by brick. Our love is worth
fighting for, and this is my way of showing him that. Nothing will separate
us.”
Hazel shared
that their love story began in July last year.
“We lived in
the same neighbourhood and used to board the same kombi. He’d be coming from
the gym, and I’d be returning from work. At the time, I only knew him as the
fitness guy from around the area.
“Our first date
was on 14 August — we drove to the airport. It was a romantic drive, full of
heartfelt conversation. That’s when he opened up about his feelings for me. I’d
always had a crush on him.”
Vanhuvaone, who
spent two years posing as a medical doctor, defrauding patients and offering
fake nursing placements at Mpilo Central Hospital, was sentenced on Wednesday
to five-and-a-half years in prison. He was convicted on three counts of fraud
and one of impersonation by Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura. Two years of
the sentence were suspended on condition he restitutes US$8 165 to his victims,
leaving him to serve an effective three-and-a-half years.
In mitigation,
Vanhuvaone pleaded for leniency, claiming he had dropped out of medical school
due to peer pressure and had since tried to lead a productive life.
“I own a car,
have US$1 800 in savings, a house in North End, and run a private company. I’m
a family-oriented man,” he told the court, appealing for a non-custodial
sentence. Chronicle
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