Online Reporter
Tendai Vambe
Weekender Reporter
A DANGAMVURA man allegedly turned his 71-year-old mother’s life into a nightmare by destroying household property, verbally abusing her, threatening her life and selling family belongings without her knowledge or consent.
Sarah Nyamadzi (71) successfully applied for a peace order against her son, Godfrey Nyamadzi (42), during proceedings before Mutare magistrate, Ms Sarah Kanyenze.
In her testimony, Nyamadzi said she had been living in fear because of her son’s alleged conduct, which had turned her home into a place of distress rather than safety.
“I have not been living in peace with my son. He throws stones at the windows, and some of the windows have been broken because of him. He also returns home around 1am, and calls me all sorts of names,” she said.
The elderly woman further accused her son of selling household property without her knowledge or approval.
“He has sold some of my belongings, including hoes, groceries and a table, without informing me,” she said.
Nyamadzi alleged that her son’s behaviour becomes more aggressive when he is intoxicated, claiming he frequently uses abusive language and makes disturbing threats.
“At times he curses me and says he will acquire charms to bewitch me. He also threatens to burn me inside the house. I am suffering because of him,” she said.
She added that her younger son had taken up the responsibility of caring for her, describing Godfrey as disrespectful and difficult to live with.
Despite the challenges, Nyamadzi told the court that her greatest wish was to live peacefully with her son.
Responding to the allegations, Godfrey denied any wrongdoing, and accused his mother of exaggerating the situation.
“She is lying. She does not even stay in Dangamvura all the time. She lives in Harare and is simply exaggerating,” he said.
He also refused to accept liability for any of the alleged damage to the property.
“I will not pay for any damages,” charged Godfrey.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Ms Kanyenze ruled in favour of Nyamadzi, and granted a peace order to protect her from further abuse.
Under the order, Godfrey was barred from harassing, threatening, insulting or verbally abusing his mother.
Ms Kanyenze also issued a suspended warrant of arrest, warning that any violation of the order’s conditions could result in his immediate arrest and further legal action.
