Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A BITTER family dispute over property inheritance escalated into violence, leading to the summoning of Calvin Muchemeri from Hobhouse suburb to Mutare Civil Court.
Muchemeri’s stepmother, Susan Choga, accused him of assault and violent behaviour.
The case, presided over by Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, saw Choga seeking, both protection and peace orders against her stepson, alleging that he repeatedly assaulted her and exhibited violent conduct.
She cited a disturbing incident on August 3 as the catalyst for her seeking legal intervention.
“My stepson is increasingly becoming violent. He came to my house in the middle of the night while drunk, and asked me to come out, of which I did. He insulted me, accusing me of killing his father. He grabbed me by the collar, dragging me all over the yard,” said Choga.
Choga further alleged that Muchemeri’s behaviour could be attributed to drug abuse.
Muchemeri did not deny visiting the house late at night, but offered an alternative perspective on the conflict.
He claimed that the dispute stems from the inheritance of the house, which he alleged was unfairly taken over by his stepmother and her children following his father’s death in 2023.
Muchemeri told the court that his life took a dramatic turn for the worse after hi father’s death.
“My stepmother forced me out of the house, citing her inability to provide for me due to my unemployment,” explained Muchemeri.
Muchemeri later spent nearly a year staying with his aunt in Gweru, working as a truck driver.
He returned to Mutare in June, intending to resolve the inheritance issue peacefully.
“I left my aunt’s care to settle the estate dispute issue. I have been struggling, and now my father’s house is filled with strangers,” said Muchemeri.
He argued that his late parents had a legally recognised matrimonial marriage, unlike his father’s informal relationship with Choga.
Muchemeri insisted he had a rightful claim to the property, and accused Choga of monopolising rental income from tenants, while excluding him from the benefits.
Mr Chipato granted Choga the protection order, and advised Muchemeri to pursue legal channels to resolve the dispute.
“Muchemeri, given your potential claim to the house, I advise you to seek legal guidance on how to proceed. Resorting to violence will only lead to jail,” said Chipato.
