Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
A long-running family dispute over a house in Florida, recently ended at the Mutare Civil Court, where a 48-year-old man was ordered to vacate his late parents’ home after failing to meet agreed rental and maintenance obligations.
Paul Chipunza (52), acting on behalf of five siblings, dragged his younger brother, Albert Chipunza, to court, accusing him of occupying the property since 2011 without contributing meaningfully to its upkeep.
The matter was heard before Mutare magistrate, Ms Purity Gumbo.
Paul told the court that following the death of their mother, the siblings agreed that Albert should move out so that the house could be rented out to generate income for the entire family.
When Albert refused, the family resolved that he would pay US$100 per month for the two rooms he occupied.
However, he allegedly paid only US$60, claiming an uncle had authorised the reduction without the consent of the other siblings.
Paul further complained about Albert’s conduct at the house, alleging that he frequently brought different girlfriends to the property, a behaviour the siblings described as disrespectful, particularly towards other family members.
“We have tried to resolve this issue as a family for years, but Albert refused to cooperate. He stays in the house freely, does not maintain it and pays rent selectively. This property belongs to all of us, not one person. Our intention is not to punish him, but to ensure fairness so that everyone benefits equally from our parents’ house,” said Paul Chipunza in court.
In his defence, Albert maintained that his late mother had allowed him to stay and even marry from the house, arguing that he cared for her in her final years.
“I stayed with my mother when she needed help and she allowed me to stay there. I survive on about US$50 a month from selling popcorn. I cannot afford US$100 when similar houses here are being rented for less. I am not refusing to contribute, but my means are limited,” testified Albert.
In her ruling, Ms Gumbo held that the property belonged to the family collectively.
She ordered Albert to vacate the house within three months from the end of January to allow the siblings to either sell or rent out the property, with proceeds shared equally.
