Vusumuzi Dube
Yolanda Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
A family from Old Lobengula suburb in Bulawayo has been left traumatized after a violent home invasion that occurred while they slept.
Armed assailants broke into their home, brandishing a gun and threatening to kill the family if they did not relinquish their inherited assets, which include the Old Lobengula house and two vehicles.
According to a neighbour, the turmoil began following the death of Moses Edwards on 26 August, which was suspected to be a case of food poisoning.
Moses left all his assets to his oldest son, Wordsworth Edwards, as outlined in his will. However, this decision sparked discontent among other family members, leading to a bitter family dispute.
“Wordsworth’s uncles have been pressuring him to vacate the property and leave the cars,” the neighbour explained.
The recent attack is just the latest in a series of incidents targeting the family.
“This is not the first time they have been threatened. They are living in constant fear, and while the police have said they will investigate the matter, the way it seems is they are reluctant saying it’s a family issue,” the neighbour added.
There are growing suspicions that the police’s reluctance to act may be linked to the family’s connections as known war veterans in the area.
The atmosphere of intimidation has left the Old Lobengula family feeling vulnerable and isolated. “They are terrified, and some members have even considered going into hiding,” the neighbour stated.
The situation highlights the ongoing struggles within families over inherited assets and the lengths to which individuals may go to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
As the community rallies around the family, there are calls for greater protection and support from local authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.
The Old Lobengula family’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in similar situations, where familial ties can quickly turn into sources of conflict and fear.
Bongani Ndlovu