happiness ChikwanhaFaith Mandizha
A FATHER has been barred from visiting his children at night because of concerns over his abusive character.
His mother-in-law, who stays with the children, dragged him to the Harare Civil Court.
Selena Nyata told the court that her son-in-law, only identified as James, subjected her to verbal abuse and was also abusing his two children who are under her custody.
Nyata said she was a vendor who fends for her grandchildren until late but James was ungrateful.
“When the kids fall sick, I’m the one who takes care of the medical bills.
“I’m the one who takes care of his kids, but he doesn’t appreciate it.
“Rather, he visits late and mocks my house saying his parents never lived in a shack,” she said.
James denied the accusations saying he visits his children after work and finds them scantily dressed in the cold weather.
“I never had kids with her, but her daughter, so she has no right to tell me when and what time to visit my kids.
“My kids are left alone, wearing rags, but I buy clothes for them regularly.
“She even sent people to attack me,” James claimed.
Magistrate Sharon Mashavira dismissed James’ defence and granted his mother-in-law the peace order, which bars him from visiting his kids after 5pm.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter