Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
TWO Penhalonga neighbours are embroiled in a bitter feud, with accusations of human waste dumping sparking outrage and dragging the matter before Chief Mutasa’s community court.
The dispute pits Monica Bhasvi of House Number 100H against her neighbour, Chipo Dziro of House Number 99H.
Bhasvi alleges that Dziro has repeatedly disposed human waste in her yard, a claim that has poisoned relations between the two households.
In a surprising twist, it was Dziro who hauled Bhasvi before the traditional court, arguing that the accusations had subjected her family to relentless insults and threats.
She insisted she was tired of being branded the culprit and denied ever dumping waste in her neighbour’s yard.
What began as a neighbourhood quarrel has now escalated into a full-blown community scandal, with the feud between the two women described as “beyond repair.”
“There is a drainage canal carrying sewage between our houses, and the tenants at Number 100H have made life difficult for me and my family. Between our houses, there is a sewerage canal that flows through, and if a stool spills out of the drain, she accuses me of dumping waste in her yard, and I do not know why. What is worrying is that Bhasvi is a tenant there, and she can move away if she wants, but she refuses, opting to abuse me daily,” said Dziro, further telling the court that the conflict has disrupted her household peace since the death of her husband in 2021.
“My husband passed away in 2021, and I remained at the company house with my children. The houses belong to Redwing Mine,” she said, further explaining that she lives with her daughters and grandchildren in the company house, and accused Bhasvi of making life difficult for them.
Dziro said they were once close friends before their relationship soured for reasons she does not fully understand.
“We used to be friends, but she suddenly stopped talking to me. I continued greeting her, but she ignored me. Eventually, I also stopped greeting her because of the hostility,” said Dziro, further alleging that Bhasvi was spreading damaging rumours about her daughters.
“My daughters and tenant told me that she was discouraging their boyfriends from associating with them, saying they were single mothers and sex workers,” alleged Dziro, adding that the dispute escalated on May 20, while she was cleaning her yard with another neighbour.
“Bhasvi came outside and called her co-tenant. She told her that I had taken human waste from my home and placed it in their yard. She said people had told her that I was a witch, and now had the proof. She also said I was too old to continue staying in town, and should relocate to the rural areas to make room for younger women. She accused my children of lusting after her husband,” said Dziro, adding that she chose not to retaliate despite the allegations.
“I did not respond, and asked my child to sweep the area Monica was referring to, but when she refused, I cleaned it myself. Even after that, Monica continued shouting at me,” said Dziro, adding that she later reported the matter to the landlord and Mine management.
“The following day, she continued shouting, and threatened to assault me if I confronted her. I reported the matter to Redwing Mine Company. When we were summoned to appear before this court, she warned me that she would deal with me decisively,” alleged Dziro.
In her defence, Bhasvi denied insulting or threatening her neighbour, but admitted that their friendship had soured drastically.
“We used to be friends until we drifted apart despite being neighbours. I created distance between us because of the issue of human waste appearing in our yard,” said Bhasvi, while maintaining that she did not directly accused Dziro of dumping the stool.
“Ever since I moved there, human waste have been appearing in our yard overnight. I confronted my co-tenants about the issue, but I never specifically accused Dziro of being responsible. I never insulted her, I never went to her home, and I never confronted her personally,” she said, denying making derogatory remarks about Dziro and her family, insisting she had only raised concerns about the recurring appearance of the human waste in her yard.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Chief Mutasa noted that relations between the two neighbours had irreversibly broken down, and advised them to seek intervention from Redwing Mine management.
“You no longer have a healthy relationship as neighbours. It will be wise to approach the company and request relocation so that each family can live peacefully,” said Chief Mutasa.
Bhasvi showed willingness to consider the proposal.
Chief Mutasa also urged Bhasvi to show respect towards Dziro, citing the age difference between the two women.
“You should respect her as an elder despite your differences,” he said, further encouraging both parties to avoid further confrontation and work with Redwing Mine authorities to find a lasting solution.
Chief Mutasa highlighted the importance of maintaining peaceful relations among neighbours, and urged the two women to refrain from exchanging insults or making unsubstantiated allegations against one another while efforts are made to resolve the matter.
The court did not issue any punitive measures, but encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable solution through Redwing Mine management.
