Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A CHIKANGA woman, Tracy Chayambuka, was granted a five-year protection order against her daughter-in-law, Vimbai Muranda’s alleged assaults, insults, and threats.
Mutare magistrate, Ms Thandiwe Sibanda ruled in Chayambuka’s favour, citing evidence of the assault, insults, and threats.
The court heard that Muranda had repeatedly visited Chayambuka’s homestead in Chikanga, where she allegedly used abusive language and threatened violence. Chayambuka testified that she wanted Muranda barred from her property to prevent further disturbances.
The protection order seeks to safeguard Chayambuka from Muranda’s alleged harassment.
“I am no longer living peacefully. Each time she comes, she insults me in front of neighbours, using vulgar words that humiliate me in the community,” she said.
Chayambuka further argued that on one occasion, following a misunderstanding with her husband, Muranda came to her house, damaged her property, and labelled her a witch.
“She broke car windows and shouted that I was a witch. This behaviour has destroyed my dignity in the community,” said Chayambuka.
When asked to respond, Muranda denied the allegations of assault and insult. Instead, she claimed that Chayambuka, together with her daughters, had taken household property from her home, including a refrigerator, stove and bed.
“I only visited to confront her about the property she took. I have never assaulted or insulted her,” said Muranda.
In response, Chayambuka explained that her son, who is Muranda’s husband, had brought the property to her house after a dispute between the couple.
“My son and his wife were always fighting, and they vacated several homes because of their violent misunderstandings. On one occasion, after Muranda was found at a bar by her husband, he brought the property to my house without my instruction,” she said.
Chayambuka said she had no interest in keeping the property and agreed that Muranda could collect it, although she maintained that some of the items had been acquired by her son before marriage.
She also told the court that her mother-in-law was refusing to accept her children as grandchildren and was influencing her son against her.
“She took my husband away and now I am left alone with the children. I know she is the one who influences him not to love me,” said Muranda.
Chayambuka, however, insisted that both her son and daughter-in-law were causing her distress and pleaded with the court to bar them from visiting her homestead.
“They only bring trouble. I have lost my dignity in the community because of their behaviour,” she said.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Ms Sibanda ruled in favour of Chayambuka and granted a protection order valid for five years.
The order bars Muranda from assaulting, insulting, or threatening her mother-in-law.
Ms Sibanda warned that any violation of the order would attract imprisonment.
