Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A BITTER family dispute erupted in a dramatic fashion at Chief Mutasa’s community court recently after a traditional leader was accused of blocking a century-old access road.
The alleged transgressor fenced off a venerable century-old road, thereby severing access for vehicles, his own flesh and blood, and fellow villagers who had relied on this vital thoroughfare for generations.
The contentious matter came to light after village head, David Kudumba and his wife, Enneta Kudumba, of Kudumba Village were hauled before the community court by their relatives— Richard, Lovers, Albert and Cornelia Kudumba.
The quartet argued that the fenced road was an indispensable artery for the community, providing essential connectivity for villagers and facilitating the transportation of goods and services.
They claimed the road had existed for over 100 years and was used by a tractor belonging to David’s brother, which served the village in various development projects.
The relatives claimed that by blocking the road, David had forced them to take an alternative route, which was almost two kilometres longer, thereby adding unnecessary strain to their daily lives.
In response, David justified his actions, contending that the road traversed his land, allowing villagers to graze their livestock in his fields.
“I want to stop them from trespassing onto my land. I have incurred considerable expenses erecting that fence, but it is essential for my safety. I showed them where they can construct a new road, far from my farm, as I no longer tolerate their trespassing. They do not want to construct a new road to facilitate access to their homes. Instead, they seek to harass my wife and me, disturbing our peace,” he said.
David further insisted that the villagers should bear the cost of constructing the new road.
“I shall not pay for it. They must bear the expenses, as it is a road for their benefit, not mine. The truth is that these individuals do not want to pay for a new road,” he argued.
David’s wife, Enneta also expressed her frustrations, accusing her in-laws of harbouring malice and exploiting their land.
“They hate us and do not wish us to prosper. Their goats and cattle graze on our fields – should we remain silent about this? Should we not voice our objections? No, we must close off that area and compel them to utilise their own road,” she said.
However, this did not sit well with the rest of the Kudumba family, who felt that David and his wife were abusing the village head’s office, which they held.
Cornelia, who is David’s cousin, delivered an emotional testimony, revealing that David assaulted her during a previous altercation.
“He is devoid of love. The road he is referring to does not belong to him — it is a communal pathway, constructed by my father and other villagers, including those who are now late. His father was not even present at the time. David does not harbour any affection for us, perhaps due to our impoverished circumstances. He alleges that we are spiteful individuals, but in reality, he is the one who is malicious. Why would he block the road used by the community tractor if he is not spiteful?” she quipped.
Cornelia, who appeared frail, recounted how David assaulted her after his cattle had strayed onto her farm.
“David, you are stone-hearted. You assaulted me after your cattle strayed onto my land. I was admitted at Bonda Mission Hospital, at my advanced age, whereas your wife claims that our cattle graze on your land,” she added.
Chief Mutasa reprimanded both parties, emphasising the need for leadership qualities rooted in compassion and unity.
He ruled that if David had erected a fence on a communal land, he should remove it and restore access to the villagers.
“As a leader, you should possess a heart for the people you serve. You must prioritise the community’s needs above personal interests. The road belongs to everyone and has served the village for generations. Blocking it disrupts the entire community,” he remarked.
Online Reporter