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Chipo Mukorama and Runyararo Ndaramo
A 72-year-old man, who is a pastor at a local Apostolic sect, says his relationship with his children has broken down amid stunning accusations that he allegedly practices witchcraft and his dark arts are responsible for the misfortunes which usually beset the family.
The three children even claim Tamunya Zvakavapano is allegedly responsible for the mental illness of one of his kids and they have been demanding that he should cure the child or they will keep attacking him.
The breakdown of the relationship between Zvakavapano and his children is so pronounced that he says the trio is now threatening to kill him if he doesn’t comply with their demands.
The case has spilled into the Harare Civil Court where the three children – Alice, Asaya, and Abhasthi – insisted yesterday that they still believe their father practices the dark arts of witchcraft.
Tamunya Zvakavapano’s children.
They even told the court that there would be serious consequences for their father if he doesn’t comply with their demands.
Zvakavapano claimed that one of his kids, Abhasthi, even hired five bouncers to attack him.
However, he was granted a protection order by magistrate Meenal Narotum yesterday.
Zvakavapano said he has been a victim of some savage attacks from his children.
“My children are threatening to kill me unless I comply with their demands.
“They insist I should consult traditional healers to treat my mentally unwell child, implying I am the one who caused the sickness.
“Alice and Asaya hired a sangoma, without my consent, and this led to a confrontation.
“On August 18, Abhasthi came to my house in the company of five men shouting and throwing stones at my house.
“They broke my windows and doors shouting ‘muroyi ngaafe’.
“I took the matter to the police and they are currently serving community service.”
However, the children denied attacking their father stating and said his refusal to ensure the family gets help for the misfortunes besetting them has made them believe that he was guilty.
They even told the court that there would be serious consequences for Zvakavapano if he doesn’t change his stance and he starts playing to their tune.
“Our father’s refusal to seek help proves his guilt.
“We have every right to call him a witch and threaten him because he cannot use us for rituals for him to make money.
“Until he decides to comply with our demands, the court would be a witness to what will happen.
“We are concerned about our siblings’ well-being and we do not care what he does with his prostitutes.”
Magistrate Narotam granted Zvakavapano a peace order and ordered the three children to find peaceful ways to resolve their family differences without taking the law into their hands. – (@H-Metro)
Online Reporter