The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Weekender Reporter
A PENHALONGA woman stands accused of abusing her in-laws and driving them out of their house.
The elderly Fernando Benjamin and Evernice Benjamin have since approached the Mutare Magistrates Civil Court to apply for a protection order against their daughter-in-law, Rejoice Chitepo and her husband, Aaron Benjamin.
Fernando said his daughter-in-law has turned their son against them.
“She insults me and I am now scared of visiting my own house. Rejoice and Aaron has been staying at my house since they got married. Our daughter-in-law is always moody and noone feels comfortable visiting that house.
“Each time her child falls ill, she accuses me of causing the illness,” said Fernando.
“I have an eyesight problem and only one eye is functional. She threatens to pluck it out so that I become blind. We do not know peace because of that woman,” said Fernando.
“Our son has been turned against us. He does not say anything when his wife insults us. Sometimes when he is drunk he also accuses us of dabbling in witchcraft. Since we are wicked in their eyes, it is better they leave our house. Aaron is now a man and should find his own accommodation,” said Fernando.
His elderly wife chipped in: “She denigrates me through her songs. She is very disrespectful. She treats my husband like a little kid. Her ear bashing is endless. I want her out of our house because we should not be like prisoners in our own home,” said Evernice.
Aaron confirmed that his wife is ill-treating his parents. Rejoice also confirmed harassing her in-laws, but argued that they are the aggressors.
“My in-laws are the aggressors and they should not expect me to be a lame duck. I am a human being as well. When my father-in-law returns from the bar while drunk, he always shouts at me, telling me to leave the house.
“Where will I go? I end up hitting back to spite him. I also want them to feel the same pain I feel. Sometimes we end up fighting,” she said without any remorse.
Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato granted a protection order which prohibits Rejoice and Aaron from harassing, insulting or assaulting Aaron’s parents.
The order will be valid for a year.
