Conceptually, the paper draws from Sally Engle Merry's concept of translation and we argue that cultural beliefs, practices, values and norms obtaining in specific localities mediate the resolution of sexual and gender-based violence cases and these practices are in some instances and at certain moments at odds with progressive constitutional, legal and policy initiatives and aspirations. The paper is drawn from fieldwork conducted in three predominantly rural districts namely Hurungwe, Mutasa and Umzingwane.