A Zimbabwean businessman is facing arrest if he fails to immediately return his minor son to the child’s mother. Lumumba William Gerald Mutumanje unlawfully took his son from school without consent, violating a High Court order.
The court ruled that the boy, Treasure Kupakwashe, should be handed over to his custodial parent, Lilian Rufaro Madyara, Lumumba’s estranged wife. The court also ordered police to accept an abduction report against Lumumba and assist in securing the child’s return.
Lilian’s cousin, Angeline Chido Madyara, approached the High Court after Lumumba took Treasure from school on May 23 while Lilian was away. Pretending to look for a child placement at the school, Lumumba spotted Treasure and forcibly removed him.
The court prohibited Lumumba from removing Treasure from his school or Lilian’s custody without her consent. Police have been tasked with assisting the child’s return.
Lumumba and Lilian are customarily married but separated, with Lumumba living in South Africa. He had recently sought access to the child through the Children’s Court.
When Lumumba abducted Treasure, police initially refused to assist Angeline in reporting the kidnapping. But the High Court has now ordered Lumumba’s arrest if he fails to immediately return Treasure to Lilian.
