Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A 90-year-old man from Harare, Jonah Mutingweni, has been granted a protection order against his 42-year-old daughter, Maria Mutingweni, who had forced him to care for her four children and that his tenants pay rent to her.
During his testimony before Civil Court Magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha, Mutingweni detailed the emotional and financial strain imposed by his daughter.
“She is causing me emotional abuse and even demands rent from tenants, taking money from my savings. I am now burdened with providing for her children,” he said.
Mutingweni said his daughter has turned his retirement into a nightmare, forcing him to take on parenting duties that he believes are no longer his responsibilities.
“I raised my children and worked hard all my life. Now, at 90, instead of resting, I am made to look after children I did not bring into this world,” he said.
He said that Maria moved into the family home nearly eight years ago after the birth of her fourth child. Her relationships with the fathers of her children had deteriorated, leaving her without a steady income.
Initially, he welcomed her with compassion but did not foresee that her stay would become permanent, nor that she would relinquish her parental responsibilities.
“This is not how I thought I would spend my old age. I wish my wife were still alive; she would know how to restore order in this house,” he reflected.
Mutingweni said that his daughter spends most of her days outside the home, allegedly socialising with boyfriends, while rarely contributing to household expenses.
“Even the school fees and food for the children fall on me. When I ask for help, she accuses me of being heartless and insists I must accept my grandchildren no matter what,” he added.
He claimed that the family home, registered under his and his late wife’s names, has been taken over by his daughter, who has assumed control of rental affairs without his consent.
“She started demanding money from the tenants, instructing them not to give me anything. When I confronted her, she told me I was old and should not deal with money,” he said.
A witness, Mrs Kudzanai Imbayago, testified to the frequent arguments between father and daughter, often in front of the grandchildren.
“We hear grandpa crying that he is tired and wants peace, but his daughter is stubborn and doesn’t listen to him. It is a very sad situation,” she said.
In response, Maria disputed the claim of abandoning her children, asserting that her father exaggerated the situation and that she only left her children with him during the day while she works to support them.
“I hustle during the day and return in the evening. My father loves the children and has never complained before. Now that tenants are involved, he wants to push me out,” she countered.
Maria insisted that, as a member of the household, she has every right to manage affairs at home, especially since she contributes to its maintenance.
After hearing both sides, the presiding magistrate granted the protection order in favour of Jonah Mutingweni, barring Maria from economically and emotionally abusing her father.
