Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A CARETAKER who says he safeguarded a deceased man’s homestead for 19 years is now demanding US$11 400 from the late owner’s son, who recently resurfaced to claim the property.
Daniel Chikuku, appearing before Chief Mutasa’s court, argued that he faithfully maintained the Dzivire family home for nearly two decades at the request of its late owner, pending the return of his young son, Patrick Pound.
Chikuku told the court that before his death, the elder Dzivire had asked him to remain at the homestead until his son — who had left with his mother as a child — eventually came back.
“I stayed there looking after the homestead, waiting for the boy to grow up and return,” Chikuku said.
He insisted he should not be evicted without compensation after years of loyalty.
Chikuku calculated his claim at US$50 per month, totalling US$11 400 for the 19 years he spent safeguarding the property.
“Instead of being thanked, I am now being treated badly. Pound chases me away like a dog, yet I took care of his father’s property all these years,” he told the court.
Pound, however, said he only recently discovered the homestead belonged to his late father.
He explained that he grew up unaware of his paternal family until one of his children began exhibiting unusual spiritual manifestations.
After consulting a prophet, Pound said he was guided to the Dzivire homestead, where he learned of his father’s legacy.
“I never knew my father or his home. It was through my child’s manifestations that the truth came out,” Pound said.
He denied mistreating Chikuku, noting that he had already provided cement, roofing sheets, and bricks to help him build elsewhere.
While acknowledging Chikuku’s years of stewardship, Pound argued that the demand was excessive.
“I appreciate what he did, but US$11 400 is too much. I also need resources to rebuild my father’s home,” he said.
After hearing both sides, Chief Mutasa ruled that Chikuku was not entitled to the full amount as salary arrears because there was no written agreement specifying a monthly wage.
“You were not employed under a formal contract with a fixed salary of US$50 every month. That figure cannot simply be imposed after so many years,” said Chief Mutasa.
He, however, added that Chikuku deserved some form of appreciation for taking care of the property for so long.
“You stayed at this home for 19 years and protected it until the heir returned. That effort must be recognised. You cannot be sent away with nothing,” he ruled.
Chief Mutasa said the US$11 400 demand was excessive under the circumstances, and advised Pound to provide a lump sum.
“The amount being demanded is too much. What is fair is not salary, but a token of appreciation for the service rendered,” he said, urging the two to negotiate a reasonable settlement and avoid further conflict.
“This son has found his father’s home after many years. Let there be peace, not fighting. The caretaker must respect the property rights, and the heir must respect the loyalty shown,” said Chief Mutasa.
