Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A HARARE woman has been granted a protection order against her husband’s younger brother after the court heard disturbing allegations of abuse arising from a bitter family property dispute.
Appearing before magistrate Ashton Dube, Apollonia Gomba told the court that her brother-in-law, Tariro Mukwasa, had subjected her to repeated harassment, threats and intimidation after claiming ownership of the family house in which she lives with her seven children.
“My husband’s younger brother is so abusive, I am afraid that he might kill me,” said Gomba.
She said the conflict intensified after her husband became less available at the property, creating an opportunity for Mukwasa to challenge her right to remain in the house.
According to Gomba, what began as a disagreement over ownership soon escalated into persistent verbal abuse and fear for her safety.
The court heard that Mukwasa developed a pattern of coming home drunk and forcing his way into Gomba’s bedroom without invitation.
“He is a drunkard, whenever he comes home drunk, he barges into my bedroom whenever he feels like it. There is no privacy, no peace, nothing,” she said.
“He keeps telling me to leave the house with my children as if I’m a stranger. I can’t even sleep peacefully anymore.”
Mukwasa denied the allegations, dismissing them as exaggerated and malicious.
Magistrate Dube ruled in favour of Gomba and granted the protection order.
