Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A CHIMANIMANI man has taken his family dispute to the traditional courts, accusing his brother of refusing to consult traditional healers in a bid to have his mentally ill daughter healed, citing religious beliefs.
The matter played out before Chief Saurombe’s community court last Sunday, where John Chamunorwa Maposa of Chimanimani, laid bare his frustrations over what he believes is his brother, Themba Maposa’s refusal to shoulder cultural responsibilities.
Themba, who resides in Chipinge, is the eldest in the Maposa family and by custom is expected to lead all traditional family processes.
John told the court that the rift began when his 23-year-old daughter who was working in Harare began suffering from a mental health condition late last year.
He said her troubles began after a car accident and have since spiralled into what the family believes is a spiritual affliction.
“She was struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident while she was in Harare. After recovering and going back to work, we were called by her employer who said our daughter had developed a mental health problem and had been admitted in hospital.
“We went and collected her. Since then, we have been struggling to find a lasting solution to her ailment,” said John.
He said the family later consulted traditional healers who told them the cause of her illness was an avenging spirit and that they should carry out traditional rituals.
However, efforts to involve Themba as the family head in these consultations hit a brick wall.
“We have approached him several times to accompany us to traditional healers. At first, he told us that he was a church elder at ZAOGA and does not believe in those things. In April, he came and told us that we are not the first people to give birth to a mentally challenged child.
“He said there are many mentally ill people in Chipinge town where he stays and that our daughter is not a special case. He got into his car and drove off even though we had gathered as a family to seek help.
“We just want our daughter to get better. We have no other agenda. If our traditions can help us, then why not use them? We cannot continue turning a blind eye while she suffers,” said John.
He further narrated a dramatic scene that unfolded when Themba visited again for another family event.
“He came for a tombstone unveiling ceremony at our homestead and when we brought up our daughter’s issue and asked him to accompany us to consult traditional healers, he got into his car and tried to drive off.
“My wife and our two kids stood behind his vehicle to stop him from reversing. He got out and charged at them, repeating that our daughter is not the first person to be mentally ill,” John told the court.
He said he was left to shoulder the emotional and financial burden of caring for his daughter alone, while his elder brother continues to dismiss the traditional route the family believes could bring answers and healing.
Chief Saurombe, presiding over the matter, urged the brothers to find common ground, acknowledging the complexities that come with balancing faith and cultural obligations.
“It is a sad reality in many families today where religion and tradition collide. We must not forget where we came from. If the family believes this illness may be rooted in spiritual causes, it is the duty of the head of the family to play his part. But at the same time, we cannot force someone to go against his faith. What we need is dialogue and understanding,” Chief Saurombe said.
He urged Themba, who was not present at the hearing to come before the court and clarify his position and potentially agree to a solution that accommodates both his beliefs and the family’s expectations.
“This is not about who is right or wrong. It is about saving a young life and preserving the unity of a family,” Chief Saurombe said.
The chief reserved judgment on the matter until Themba appears in person.
The matter was adjourned to a later date to allow Themba to be summoned to the court.
