Harare — A Harare man who has been dragged to court by his wife for exhibiting violent behaviour yesterday attributed his aggression to unpleasant experiences during the liberation struggle.

War veteran Francis Mvere neither contested allegations made by his wife -- Itayi Esther Mvere -- that he was violent nor the peace order she is seeking against him.

Instead, he pleaded with provincial magistrate Mr Never Katiyo to take into consideration his post-war trauma.

"I am an ex-combatant who went through a lot of problems and experiences (that were) not very pleasant," he said.

He said he used to get therapeutic assistance but now that he was retired he could no longer afford the help of experts and this was contributing to his violence.

"The problem cannot be eradicated but it can be managed through therapy. But these days I can no longer afford the charges," he said.

Mvere said he also had problems sleeping and would remain awake as long as the bedroom lights were turned on or if he had not had an alcoholic drink.

However, his wife attributed his violence solely to alcohol.

The case was postponed to tomorrow for further deliberations.

"We have been married for 26 years and when he is not drunk he has no problem. When he is at it he can beat the wall, use all sorts of weapons or even throw you out through the window.

"He broke our television, stove, grill, and at one time he destroyed 40 plates within 40 minutes at a rate of one plate per minute. And in another incident ... he destroyed six company cars and I feared for his life and us as well," she added.

Mvere agreed with what his wife said but pointed out that he always regretted his acts of violence.

He said his wife had tolerated him for years but was perhaps now fed up.