Tendai Gukutikwa
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTASA man was publicly shamed at Chief Mutasa’s community court for attempting to trick his aunt into surrendering to him land she had lawfully inherited from her late father, and later sold it under financial duress.
The court heard that Mary Masaiti and her sister, Linet Masaiti, and another sibling who now lives in Bulawayo, each inherited their own pieces of land following their father’s death.
Although their late father had strongly advised them never to sell their inheritance, Mary, facing urgent financial needs, went against his wishes, and sold her land to Silas Kamuzodo for US$1 700.
However, her nephew, Tatenda Masaiti, later attempted to interfere with the transaction by offering to refund Kamuzodo, under the condition that the land would revert to him as the new owner.
Chief Mutasa did not mince his words in condemning Tatenda’s actions, accusing him of trying to take advantage of his elderly aunt.
“What you are doing is trying to take advantage of someone’s misfortunes.
Yes, your aunt sold the land despite being forbidden by her late father, and yes, she erred. But you, Tatenda, have no rightful claim to that piece of land.
“It was inherited by Mary, your aunt. You were not part of that transaction or decision. You cannot muscle your way in because you think you are more responsible. That is not how inheritance works,” he said.
Taking to the witness stand, Mary passionately defended herself.
“I inherited this land from my father. We were three sisters, and he gave each of us land to farm and build. One of my sisters is married and lives in Bulawayo, another is here, and I am the third.
“I sold my own piece of land after consulting my uncle. It was not done in secrecy. Now my nephew is behaving as if I sold off his inheritance, yet the land was mine to do as I pleased. I had my reasons for selling it. I needed the money urgently,” he said.
Tatenda, however, insisted that his aunt’s decision to sell the land was reckless and selfish.
“When our grandfather gave that land to his children, he made it clear that it was for our family’s legacy, not for them to sell it. It hurt me deeply to see my aunt disregarding our late grandfather’s wishes and sold the land for quick money.
“I felt it was my duty as the next generation to protect that land, and to keep it in the family. If she needed help, she should have asked us first instead of selling what belongs to our bloodline.
“I felt betrayed and ashamed that the land that carries our family’s history and pride was being handed over to a stranger. That is why I wanted to intervene, not out of greed, but to preserve what is ours.”
Aaron Masaiti, a relative who testified before the court, revealed that there was long standing bad blood among the three sisters, which had now spilled into the younger generation.
He pleaded with Chief Mutasa to intervene for the sake of family unity.
“My Chief, we ask for your wisdom and help. There has been tension among the sisters even before the land issue arose. Now things are getting worse, and it is dragging everyone, including our children, into it.
“We are asking you to help us find a solution that brings peace and preserves our family ties,” said Aaron.
After hearing both sides, Chief Mutasa turned his attention to Kamuzodo, who had purchased the land in good faith.
In a move meant to offer an amicable solution, he offered Kamuzodo two options, either he accepts a refund of US$1 700 from the Masaiti family or he continues to till the land for three years as compensation for his investment.
“It is only fair that Kamuzodo, who bought the land legally, does not lose out. You, the Masaiti family, must ensure that you refund this man his US$1 700, or let him use the land for three full years without any interference,” said Chief Mutasa.
In the end, Chief Mutasa ordered Mary Masaiti to refund Kamuzodo the full amount of US$1 700 within a reasonable time frame, failure of which Kamuzodo would retain the right to continue using the land as initially agreed.
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