Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTASA woman, Rosemary Mugadziwa, has accused her father-in-law of subjecting her to daily physical and verbal abuse, claiming that their household has become a battleground due to his constant interference in her marriage.
Mugadziwa also alleges that her father-in-law is also questioning the paternity of her 17-year-old son, further exacerbating the tension.
The family feud, which has divided the Kondo family, was recently brought before Chief Mutasa’s community court by Mugadziwa, who claims that she has endured relentless abuse since marrying into the family in 2008.
The daily clashes have turned her life into a living nightmare.
“My father-in-law, Daniel Kondo, and I fight almost every day. He insults me, calls me names, and beats me whenever he feels like it. He treats me like his wife, not his daughter-in-law, when it comes to misunderstandings. I have lost count of the number of times we have fought,” she said.
Mugadziwa explained that her troubles began shortly after she married Cephas Kondo, who at the time had only paid US$20 as part of her bride price.
“He went to my family with a lot of money, but only paid US$20. When I gave birth to our son, the baby had breastfeeding challenges for two weeks. Instead of helping me, the Kondo family accused me of witchcraft. They said I had bewitched my own child,” she told the court.
Mugadziwa said the situation worsened when her husband left for South Africa in search of employment, leaving her behind with his parents.
It was during that time, she claimed, her father-in-law began abusing her.
“He would shout at me over small things and beat me like a child. He became very controlling, even dictating where I should go, and who I should talk to.
It reached a point where our fights became a daily routine,” she recounted.
The tension escalated in April when her father-in-law allegedly stormed into her homestead, accusing her of promiscuity and being the reason why his son had stopped visiting the rural home.
“On April 16, he came and accused me of sleeping around. He said I was the reason why his son no longer wanted to come back home, and that he had instructed him to stop sharing the same bed with me.
“We started arguing, and he tried to attack me. This time, I fought back and ended up overpowering him.
“People were shocked to see me pinning him down, but I was just defending myself,” said Mugadziwa.
The matter was brought before Chief Mutasa’s court after the altercation drew the attention of neighbours.
During the hearing, Cephas admitted that his parents had been pressuring him to demand DNA tests to verify the paternity of their 17-year-old son.
“My parents have always doubted that the boy is mine, but it is not a big issue.
They keep saying that he did not breastfeed when he was a baby, and that it is a sign that he is not mine. Personally, I have no doubts at all, but they have been insisting on DNA tests,” he said.
Mugadziwa said the accusations were part of a long-standing campaign by her in-laws to humiliate her and destroy her marriage.
“They have called me names for years. They accused me of cheating and witchcraft, and even told my husband to turn his back on me.
“My son has suffered because of their hatred. They refuse to accept him as their own flesh and blood,” she said, also accusing her husband of supporting the abuse by remaining silent and involved in extramarital affairs.
“My husband is very promiscuous. Women come and go in his life, even when I am still married to him. When I try to speak out, he sides with his parents and tells me to keep quiet,” she told the court.
In his ruling, Chief Mutasa, condemned the daily fights and abuse within the family, saying such conflicts undermine family unity and dignity.
“There is no justification for violence within families. It is disturbing to hear that a father-in-law and daughter-in-law fight every day. This is unacceptable and shameful. Elders are supposed to bring peace, not confusion,” said the traditional leader.
Chief Mutasa ordered that DNA tests be conducted to put the matter to rest.
“The person who is doubting the child’s paternity will bear all the costs of the DNA tests. Once the truth is known, I expect peace to return to this family.
“The parents must stop interfering in their son’s marriage, and everyone should learn to live in harmony,” he ruled.
He also urged both Mugadziwa and her father-in-law to avoid further confrontations and seek reconciliation for the sake of their children and family reputation.
