Moffat Mungazi
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A CHIKANGA woman turned to the courts for protection from a fellow tenant she has shared residence with for over a decade.
The erstwhile tenants, Rosemary Phiri and Collen Svosve, appeared before Ms Prisca Manhibi, with Phiri alleging that on March 17, Svosve came to her house and confronted her.
He accused her of casting a curse on his wife and practicing witchcraft, which led to her sudden illness.
Svosve allegedly gave Phiri an ultimatum of three weeks to resolve the issue and reverse whatever curse she had cast on his wife.
“This man standing beside me knocked at my door on March 17, accusing me of bewitching his wife, who is not feeling well. He said I should reverse the curse I cast on her,” said Phiri.
In response, Svosve acknowledged confronting Phiri, but claimed that the incident was rooted in a long-standing dispute between the two families.
Svosve said the conflict began when Phiri and his wife had a disagreement some time in February 2024 over cleaning duties for their shared toilet.
Svosve said Phiri was assigned to clean the toilet, but refused, claiming that she had stayed at that house for a long time, and would not be instructed on what to do by another tenant.
“My wife just suggested that she should fulfil her responsibilities like all the other tenants, but she became aggressive and insulted her.
“She warned her that she would suffer serious harm or death if we continue pressing the issue. She told my wife that she hails from Malawi,” said Svosve.
“I have been telling Phiri that the words she uttered where very strong, and my question is why my wife fell ill after she said those words,” said Svosve.
Phiri strongly denied the accusations that she cast a curse on Svosve’s wife, leading to her illness.
Phiri countered Svosve’s claims, questioning why he did not seek any help from traditional healers or prophets.
“I told him to seek help from prophets to ascertain the truth. I also suggested that they engage his wife’s relatives to consult traditional healers as well so that everyone is in the picture on what caused his wife’s ailment,” said Phiri.
Ms Manhibi expressed uncertainty about granting Phiri the protection order she requested following revelations that Svosve’s wife fell ill shortly after the altercation.
She was diagnosed with high blood pressure and migraine headaches.
Following a heated debate, Ms Manhibi advised Phiri to put aside their differences and ask for forgiveness from Svosve’s wife.
She also summoned another tenant, Mary Mureyanwa to testify as a witness.
“I urge you to swallow your pride, and ask for forgiveness from his wife for the sake of freeing yourself. If his wife dies today, everyone will point accusing fingers at you because you are not in good books with both of them,” she added.
The court only agreed to grant Phiri’s request of a protection order after she asked for forgiveness from Collen and his wife.
Online Reporter