Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
An 82-year-old Harare grandmother, Mrs Milia Gandidzanwa, has taken her two sons, Munyaradzi and Clive Mashingauta, to the Harare Civil Court, accusing them of physical abuse, drug dealing and property damage.
Gandidzanwa recounted in court, how her sons have transformed her home into a chaotic environment.
She alleged that whenever they get drunk, they assault and insult her, with Munyaradzi claiming authority over the household since their father’s passing.
“At times, they bring friends home, smoking dagga and other drugs. If I reprimand them, they shout at me like I am a minor child,” she said.
The emotional toll has been profound, with Gandidzanwa revealing that her sons accuse her of witchcraft and even blame her for their father’s death.
The grandmother described how her sons use their home as a base for drug dealing, attracting unsavoury characters who harass her.
She recounted incidents where they locked her up, insisting she should return to her relatives because she was “too old to live in town.”
“My health condition is poor, and they don’t take care of me; I sometimes get food from tenants,” she said, her voice breaking.
Gandidzanwa expressed deep sorrow over her sons’ descent into drugs, wondering how they strayed so far despite the values she instilled in them.
Fear for her life has become a daily reality, especially after being threatened with a knife by her sons.
The situation escalated when they reportedly sold her property to finance their drug habits.
In response, the Mashingauta brothers denied their mother’s allegations, claiming that her old age has affected her judgement.
They argued that she suspects their friends of being bad influences without justification.
“I do not abuse the woman who gave birth to me; she is suffering from memory loss,” Munyaradzi contended.
Clive added, “I do not sell drugs; she is fabricating stories against me.”
Despite their claims, evidence of abuse was apparent, and the court took the allegations seriously.
After considering all testimonies, the court ruled in favour of Gandidzanwa.
Presiding Magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha urged the elderly woman to seek help for her sons, recommending rehabilitation to address their drug issues.
Magistrate Mukwesha warned the Mashingauta brothers against further abuse or destruction of their mother’s property, emphasising the need for change within the family dynamic.
Peter Tanyanyiwa