Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A 49-YEAR-OLD woman from Chitakatira Village has sought legal intervention after being repeatedly harassed and chased from her late parents’ homestead by her brother’s wife.
Charity Mlambo appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, claiming that her sister-in-law, Grace Chauke, wants to evict her from the family homestead. Mlambo moved back into the property following the collapse of her seven-year marriage, and now stays there with her children.
Despite the fact that Chauke and her husband stay somewhere else, she allegedly insists that Mlambo has no right to remain at the family homestead.
Mlambotold the court that the conflict stems from a dispute over fruit trees, specificallymango and orange trees planted in her late parents’ yard.
“I know this hatred is all because of the fruit trees. I have never denied them access to the fruits when they are ripe, but Grace has become increasingly
hostile and disrespectful. She no longer treats me as her aunt,” said Mlambo.
Thetension reportedly escalated five months after Mlambo returned home, when
Chauke demanded an equal share of the orchard’s produce, claiming joint ownership through her husband.
Mlamboalleged that Chauke’s behaviour has grown more aggressive over time, including verbal abuse and threats of eviction. In her defence, Chauke admitted to requesting access to the orchard, but denied any aggression.
She told the court that her strained relationship with Mlambo began long before her marriage, citing past gossip and unresolved tensions. “Your worship, I do not deny asking for the fruits, but I never assaulted her.
Our issues started before I married her brother, and we have never been on good terms,” said Chauke.
She further argued that Mlambo should find alternative accommodation, claiming thehomestead also belongs to her husband.
After hearing both sides, Mr Chipato granted Mlambo the sought protection order, while urging the parties to resolve their differences amicably.
He emphasised that the property in question belonged to their late parents and should be respected as shared family inheritance.
