Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Zimpapers Reporter
A WOMAN from Kuwadzana suburb in Harare has been granted a protection order against her own son, whom she accused of physical abuse, theft and threatening to evict her from the home she built with her life’s savings.
The harrowing case, heard at the Harare Civil Court, pitted Juliet Mucha against her son, Admire Mucha, in a dispute over the property she owns.
In her testimony, Juliet Mucha detailed how her attempt to secure her retirement by renting out rooms in her house had backfired.
She explained that as she grew older, she tried to involve her son in managing the property, teaching him how to collect rentals and handle tenants.
“My son has made my life unbearable. I rented out some rooms so that I could survive, but he violently took all the money from me,” she told the court.
What began as a gesture of trust quickly turned into a nightmare as Admire allegedly began pocketing all the rental income for himself.
“At first, I trusted him. But after some months, I realised that I was not getting any money. Whenever I asked, he would shout at me and sometimes even threaten to beat me,” Juliet said.
The court heard that Admire’s behaviour escalated to intimidation and violence. He allegedly strong-armed tenants into paying him directly and warned them against dealing with his mother. He then turned on Juliet, barring her from the property she built.
“He told me I was useless and that I must go back to the village. He is threatening to throw me out,” she said, adding that he had locked her out on several occasions. “I felt homeless. The house I built is now under his control. He collects the money and lives in comfort, while I am living like a stranger.”
Despite seeking help from relatives, the situation only worsened. She testified that her son boldly threatened to harm her if she involved the police, claiming he was “fearless and unstoppable.”
Presiding Magistrate Ashton Dube expressed deep concern over the growing trend of adult children exploiting their parents. In a default ruling, the court ordered Admire to immediately vacate the premises and return full control of the property to his mother.
Magistrate Dube also ordered Admire to cease all harassment and threats, saying any further abuse would result in criminal charges.
