Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE magistrate last week granted two Dangamvura neighbours — Regina Muchineripi (41) and Chido Simango (69) — a binding protection order following a heated dispute, amid allegations of insults, threats and poor waste management.
The matter was presided over by Ms Thandiwe Sibanda.
Muchineripi approached the court claiming that Simango has the tendency of verbally abusing her, particularly at night when she returns home from work.
She alleged that her elderly neighbour would hurl vulgar insults and dump waste material into her yard.
“What pushed me to come to court is her intolerable behaviour. She takes some rubbish and throw it into my yard,” said Muchineripi.
The court heard that the dispute stemmed from a storm drain constructed by the city council in front of the two houses.
According to Simango, the drain had become a nightmare, as wastewater allegedly discharged from Muchineripi’s house would flow through the drain and accumulate in her yard, producing a foul smell.
“Your worship, I am tired of cleaning her rubbish. She disposes all sorts of dirty water into the drainage, and it all ends up accumulating in my yard causing an unpleasant smell,” said Simango.
Simango told the court that she tried to engage her neighbour over the issue several times, but Muchineripi allegedly ignored her concerns.
“I once tried to talk to her about it, but she does not care. Every time I send my grandchild to call her, I am told she is either not home or too busy, yet this is a serious matter,” explained Simango.
Simango denied the allegations that she insulted or shouted vulgarities at Muchineripi.
She told the court that her only concern was the health risk posed to her and her grandchildren due to the accumulation of waste.
“I fear for my grandchildren’s health. They might not live long like I have because of the exposure to the risk of diseases,” said Simango.
Muchineripi, however, dismissed Simango’s version of events, describing her as “a great liar.”
She argued that the drainage system only accumulates water during the rainy season, and that she had never discharged any waste into it.
“Your worship, it is a disgrace to see an elderly woman lying before the courts. The drainage she is talking about only fills up when it rains. I have never discharged any waste into it,” said Muchineripi.
She further alleged that the conflict between the two had nothing to do with the drainage, but stemmed from personal jealousy.
Muchineripi said Simango’s hostility began after she hosted a graduation party for her daughter, and did not invite her.
“After my daughter’s graduation party, she started behaving differently. I believe that is when the hatred emanated from. She is just making up stories so that she can have a reason to insult me,” said Muchineripi
Muchineripi also told the court that Simango’s behaviour did not surprise her, claiming that some people in the neighbourhood disliked her because of her “good lifestyle.”
Ms Sibanda questioned why neither of the two had approached the city council to address the drainage issue formally.
In response, Simango said she could not afford to pay the council bills, and insisted that all she wanted was for Muchineripi to stop disposing waste in the drain.
Simango revealed that after learning Muchineripi had obtained a protection order against her, she also applied for her own.
After listening to both sides, Sibanda granted a binding protection order to the two women.
She urged them to mend their relationship and seek peaceful coexistence as neighbours.
“You are neighbours who depend on each other. If you have challenges with the drainage system, approach the city council instead of turning on each other,” said Ms Sibanda.
The magistrate emphasised that mutual respect and communication are essential for harmony, reminding both women that court orders are not meant to fuel hostility, but to promote peace.
