Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
Herald Reporter
A HARARE man, Ethan Abinal, has secured a protection order against his 40-year-old son, Trust Abinal, who has been abusing him due to his long-standing gambling addiction.
Ethan told Harare Magistrate Meenal Narotam that the environment at his home had become toxic because Trust repeatedly insults him and his wife, due to his destructive behaviour.
“Trust has a betting addiction and frequently borrows money from loan sharks,” Ethan said.
“When he fails to repay, he steals and sells our property to settle his debts.”
He said Trust recently stole his sibling’s sewing machine and handed it over to loan sharks as collateral.
“When we try to reprimand him, he becomes very abusive and threatens to kill us,” Ethan said.
“My wife and I are physically unwell, and his behaviour is exacerbating our condition. We kindly ask the court to order him to live elsewhere.”
Trust did not contest the application.
“I do not have any issues with the order being granted. I will leave their house if I am disturbing their peace,” he said.
Magistrate Narotam granted the protection order and barred Trust from harassing or stealing from his parents.
She also instructed Trust to vacate his parents’ home and seek counselling for his addiction.
“You are an adult and should live independently while getting the help you need to stop betting,” ruled the magistrate.
