Online Reporter
Fidelis Chavarike
Weekender Reporter
A CHIKANGA Phase 2 resident, Rumbidzai Mlambo, has been granted a protection order against her landlord’s mother, Monica Manjenje, who resides at the same house, amid allegations of harassment, public humiliation and insult.
The two warring parties appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, who granted the protection order.
The conflict reportedly began in January when Manjenje was appointed to oversee the house and collect rentals.
Mlambo alleged that Manjenje started nursing “bad blood” with her after taking charge.
“She tells other tenants that I do not pay rent, and that I am still staying in the house only because she feels pity for me,” claimed Mlambo.
Despite paying her monthly rentals on time, Mlambo alleged that Manjenje often denies her access to the tap water, claiming non-payment of rentals.
Mlambo further accused Manjenje of regularly insulting her with vulgar words, and embarrassing her in front of other tenants and neighbours.
“She shouts at me and calls me names like prostitute and witch, especially in recent days. When she starts shouting, it goes on the whole day,” said Mlambo, adding that Manjenje would come to her doorstep drunk, knocking and shouting, forcing her to stay indoors most of the time.
In addition, Mlambo claimed that Manjenje accused her of causing her husband’s death by infecting him with HIV.
“She spreads malicious rumours that I killed my husband by infecting him with HIV, and that I am HIV-positive myself. These lies have made my life a living hell. I just want her to stop shouting at me and using foul language in front of my children,” said Mlambo.
In response, Manjenje denied the allegations, arguing that Mlambo was the one who often shouted at her and locked herself indoors to avoid paying rentals.
“Mlambo moved in when my son was still around, but now I am in charge of tenant issues and rent collection. She hides or shouts at me to avoid paying rent during the first six days of the month.
“Everything she said are lies. As an elderly woman, I would not dare use vulgar language in front of children or disrespect her. She is just trying to avoid paying rent by denying my authority,” explained Manjenje.
Mlambo countered Manjenje’s claims, saying she had hired hoodlums to assault her.
“She threatens to beat me, and recently hired thugs to assault me over unpaid rent. I acknowledge she is in charge, and I have paid rent on time, but she just does not like me. Maybe she wants someone else in the house,” said Mlambo.
Manjenje clarified that the men in question were her sons — the landlords — and denied assaulting her.
“I instructed my sons to talk to her about the unpaid rent. They did not beat or insult her. I was surprised when I was summoned by the police as I do not visit her side of the house as she claims,” said Manjenje.
After hearing both sides, Mr Chipato granted the protection order in favour of Mlambo. He instructed Manjenje to cease all forms of harassment and maintain peace at the house.
“This court finds sufficient grounds to issue the protection order. The respondent is hereby ordered to refrain from any form of harassment, insults and threats against the applicant,” said Mr Chipato.
