Man brings teen nephewa��s juju to court

Gibson Mhaka
A Bulawayo man shocked the court when he produced images of traditional herbs mixed with human hair which he claimed to have found hidden in his school-going nephewa��s bag.

Pardon Dube from Harrisvale suburb and director of Khayalami Heritage Development Trust said the herbs he found stashed in his nephew Methembe Sibandaa��s bag were charms to help him get a job.

The surprise a�?jujua�? images were produced at the Bulawayo Civil Court where Dube had been dragged by his nephew who was seeking a protection order against him.

Sibanda said his uncle was abusive and evicted him from his house after he came back home late from town where he had sent him on foot to buy mealie-meal.

a�?I am seeking a peace order against my uncle who has gone violent. He evicted me from the house on 10 August after I came home at around 7pm from town where he had sent me to buy mealie-meal. He did not give me a chance to explain why I was late. Upon arrival he just locked me outside.

a�?As a result, I had to seek refuge at our neighbour who with the blessing of my mother agreed to accommodate me until November when I finish writing my Ordinary Level examinations. My uncle is refusing with my uniforms and his constant abuse is now affecting my studies and I want this court to protect me from his abusive behaviour,a�? said Sibanda.

In his opposing affidavit Dube said his nephew was stubborn and disrespectful.

a�?The applicant is very stubborn and disrespectful. He is always coming home late, after leaving unannounced and once brought traditional herbs mixed with human hair into the house which I later found hidden in his pair of trousers and bag. Upon questioning him, he said he got the herbs from his grandmothera��s brother. He said they were charms to enhance his health and job prospects.

a�?I was also shocked when I discovered that after we had an argument the applicant sought accommodation at my neighboura��s place without my knowledge. I humbly submit that I was very disturbed by the arrangement which I consider a taboo. I pray to the court to dismiss his application with all the contempt it deserves,a�? reads part of the affidavit.

His request was, however, in vain when presiding magistrate Sheunesu Matova referred them for counselling so that he could come up with a proper judgment.