Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A DECEASED Makoni villager is allegedly fighting back through his 17-year-old son to regain control of his estate, which is currently being controlled by his relatives.
The late George Sharai left behind an estate consisting of two urban houses, a herd of cattle, and a five-hectare plot with a homestead, which his mother, Mbuya Sharai, and brothers, Antony and Arnold, are allegedly refusing to distribute.
The family has allegedly moved the cattle, now numbering 13, to other villagers for ‘safekeeping’, leaving George’s wife – Pertinence Jana – frustrated to the point of abandoning her home.
However, George’s spirit is manifesting through his son, who is demanding the return of the cattle.
This was revealed during a hearing at Chief Makoni’s community court, where Pertinence had summoned Antony and Arnold, over the alleged manifestation. Both of them (Antony and Arnold) failed to attend the hearing.
A messenger informed the court that when he visited George’s mother, Mbuya Sharai, to serve Antony and Arnold the court summons, she confirmed that the cattle were being kept somewhere.
She allegedly told him that George’s son was not possessed, but was practising beliefs alien to their Christian values.
“George’s mother told me that Pertinence left her matrimonial home on her own volition. She said there are 13 beasts belonging to the late George. When George passed away, he left 17 beasts. However, these cattle are not being kept at their homestead. Antony is only in possession of the stock card.
“The cattle are being kept at various homesteads in the village. They claim that Pertinence does not own them, as they belonged to the late George. George also left two houses, one in Bindura and the other in Murambinda.
“The Bindura house is registered in the name of one of George’s younger brothers. George was working in South Africa when he bought the stand, and his younger brother registered the stand in his own name, as George was away.
“The rentals, however, are being paid to Pertinence. Mbuya Sharai said she wants the ownership of the house changed to George’s son. She also said George’s son is now into traditional rituals, contrary to their Seventh Day Adventist beliefs.
“I managed to contact Arnold and informed him that he should appear before this court today. He said he would not make it, as he had no money, and was in Harare. Antony also said he was away in Harare, and would not make it on short notice,” said the messenger.
Pertinence said Mbuya Sharai is refusing to release George’s burial order, preventing her from acquiring a death certificate to process his estate.
She also claimed that George’s relatives are refusing to intervene in assisting the child who is allegedly being possessed by his late father’s spirit.
“My son is being possessed by his late father’s spirit, which is demanding the return of the cattle taken by his brother, Antony, and being kept by neighbhours.
My son has been sleep-talking, and when I ask him, he says it is his father who is demanding that his cattle be returned home. He also said he often hears his father’s voice instructing him to go and bring his cattle back home. He went and collected some.
“I informed George’s relatives of the child’s situation, but instead, they accused me of influencing the child to do that because they say I wanted the estate left behind by their relative. They also said they do not believe in issues such as being possessed.
“My late husband left behind 17 cattle, three goats, a house in Bindura, another one in Murambinda, a rural homestead on a five-hectare field, and some building materials. I do not have George’s death certificate, as my mother-in-law is refusing to give me the burial order. However, I am on good terms with George’s young brother,” she said.
Chief Makoni advised the woman to use the available evidence, such as her two children’s birth certificates, proof of roora payment, and witnesses, who were present at her marriage ceremony to register George’s estate with the Master of the High Court.
“Pertinence’s matter is very clear and simple. I advise you to register George’s estate with the Master of the High Court. The law is clear that property left behind is for the surviving spouse and children, not relatives. The Master of the High Court will direct you on how to proceed with gaining control of your late husband’s estate.
“The uncle you are on good terms with should also sign an affidavit confirming that you were married to George, and that he left that estate. You can use your children’s birth certificates to process the estate if they continue refusing to release the burial order. Your parents should sign an affidavit confirming that George was their son-in-law, who paid roora to them. If the roora list is still available, take it to the Master of the High Court.
“Women are encouraged to be legally married to safeguard the property acquired during the course of the marriage. To prove ownership of the Bindura house, the tenants must also sign affidavits stating that they are paying rentals to you, and attach the lease agreements. Gather all the information and approach the Master of the High Court,” advised Chief Makoni.
Online Reporter