Zimbabwe’s divorce rate has jumped 49% in the past year, with 3,214 cases filed in 2024 compared to 2,149 in 2023. Courts have only managed to process half the cases, leaving many families in legal limbo.

Harare emerged as the epicenter of the crisis with 1,945 divorce filings, while Bulawayo recorded 825 cases. The High Courts in Masvingo, Mutare, and Chinhoyi handled significantly fewer cases, but all face substantial backlogs.

“Most divorces we handle are linked to GBV, infidelity, or financial concerns,” said Sethulo Ncube, regional director of the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association. “The impact on children is particularly distressing.”

The surge reflects deeper social challenges, according to Bishop Rocky Moyo, president of the Council of Churches in Africa. “The causes are complex, ranging from financial strain to communication breakdowns,” he said.

Legal experts point to modern technology as a contributing factor. Bulawayo lawyer Tinashe Runganga noted that “Social media and smartphones often create mistrust, which can lead to arguments and GBV.”

Migration has also strained marriages, according to Bulawayo Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube. “With many people leaving the country for work or opportunities, trust issues and infidelity frequently arise, leading to separations.”

The crisis has prompted calls for expanded access to marriage counseling and mental health support. Community leaders emphasize the need for better relationship education and financial literacy to help couples build stronger foundations.

A 2016 ruling by Justice Tawanda Chitapi complicates evidence gathering in divorce proceedings, as information obtained by accessing a spouse’s phone without permission remains inadmissible in court.