The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE mechanic has disowned his son for being a heathen despite his Christian upbringing.
Innocent Mazambara who claims to be a devout Christian claims that his son, Chipochashe Mazambara, became rebellious at the age of 19 and opted to be a heathen.
The elderly man was applying for a protection order against Chipochashe whom he described as a rebellious, abusive and violent son.
The matter was heard in the absence of Chipochashe. Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato presided over the matter.
Presenting his case, Innocent said when his son turned 19 and decided to move out of their Wengezi home, he became a different person as he started disregarding all the family values and beliefs.
“We are devout Christians in our family. We do not consult traditional healers or white garment spiritualists, but when Chipochashe turned 19, he became a frequent visitor to traditional healers and prophets in search of wealth. When I tried to talk to him, he openly told me that he was a grown up person entitled to his own opinion and decisions,” he said.
Tafadzwa Mukaronda
Innocent, who is a mechanic, begged that his son be barred from visiting his workplace as he is in the habit of stealing from people’s cars at the garage.
“At one time, he stole a car and was arrested. The complainant later withdrew the charges and Chipochashe was released, but I am afraid that if he continues coming to my workplace, he will strike again,” complained the elderly man.
He also said Chipochashe is a drug addict.
“He is a drug addict and when I try to knock some sense into his thick head, he just ignores me and does as he pleases. He says he is now an adult. I don’t have any problems with him being a grown-up person, but he should stop abusing drugs and dabbling in wizardry. He should not set foot on my workplace,” he said.
Innocent fumed: “He should not visit me in Wengezi because the snuff that he takes disturbs my well-being, health and Christian beliefs. I tell him that every time, but he becomes violent and threatens to assault me.
“He should seek counselling first before coming back home. As long as he takes drugs, snuff and consults traditional healers, I have disowned him. If he wants to mend our relationship, he should be born again and rekindle his Christian faith. I will not have a heathen as a son.”
However, Mr Chipato told the elderly man that it is unacceptable at law to bar Chipochashe from the garage as it is a public place.
He, however, granted the protection order in Innocent’s favour.
“The order states that he can and may come to your home and your workplace, but not for purposes of disturbing your peace. He is barred from assaulting, insulting, harassing, threatening and disturbing your peace,” said Mr Chipato.
While unruly behaviour is not condoned, the Constitution of Zimbabwe prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of religion, including the freedom to practice, propagate and give expression to one’s religion in public or in private.
