Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Master of the High Court has put an end to growing confusion over inheritance rights, declaring that civil partners, commonly known as mapoto or amapoto, are not entitled to inherit from their deceased partners.
Speaking exclusively to Zimpapers in Victoria Falls, Master of the High Court, Mr Eldard Mutasa, said misinformation was spreading like wildfire on social media, leaving legally married spouses distressed and sparking unnecessary family disputes.
“There are huge knowledge gaps on inheritance issues. People are wrongly believing that living together automatically makes them entitled to inherit. That is far from the truth,” said Mr Mutasa.
The confusion stems from a misreading of Section 41 of the Marriages Act, which recognises civil partnerships as relationships between an unmarried man and woman over the age of 18 who live together like husband and wife.
However, Mr Mutasa was crystal clear:
“Civil partners are not entitled to inheritance at all. They have their own place in the law but nothing elevates them to the status of a surviving spouse,” he said.
He explained that the court only considers a civil partnership when the couple separates or when one partner dies, and even then, it only deals with assets jointly acquired during the relationship — not the entire estate.
“This is where the misunderstanding comes in. People think that staying with someone for three months automatically makes you a legal wife or husband. That is completely false,” he said.
Mr Mutasa warned that false advice is fuelling bullying and ridicule of legally married couples, with some questioning the very importance of marriage certificates.
He urged citizens to seek proper legal guidance to avoid being misled.
“There is nothing like a civil partner inheriting property. Those being harassed should come forward. We are here to assist the community and make sure everyone understands the law,” he said.
His comments are a strong warning to those attempting to claim property under false pretenses, and a reminder that inheritance laws remain firmly in place to protect legitimate spouses and families.
