HARARE – A tense atmosphere hangs over a Harare neighbourhood as a bitter dispute between neighbours escalates, with one woman accusing her neighbour of murder and threatening behaviour.
Chipo Kumbula, the grieving widow, appeared in court on Wednesday, seeking a peace order against Gugulethu Kambanye, whom she accuses of killing her husband through supernatural powers and terrorising her family.
Kumbula’s allegations are grave, painting a picture of a chilling and escalating feud. She claims that Kambanye threatened to kill her family, and the following morning, her husband was found dead.
“She killed my husband,” Kumbula told the court with her heavy voice filled with with grief and fear.
“She threatened to kill my family and I woke up to find my husband dead. I am living in fear because she keeps threatening to kill me.”
Kumbula further alleges that Kambanye physically attacked her, hurling stones at her and accusing her of witchcraft.
“Last week she attacked me with stones. “She tells everyone that I am a witch and I killed my husband for rituals. She even told me that I am lucky to be alive,” Kumbula said.
Kambanye vehemently denies the accusations, countering that Kumbula is fabricating lies and seeking a false arrest. She claims that Kumbula has been the aggressor, assaulting her and her children.
“She wanted me arrested so that she gains control of my property. She is lying and she is the one who assaults me and my children. Chipo is fabricating lies because she wants me to be arrested so that she can be able to build in my stand,” Kambanye stated.
The allegations, which include murder, assault, and witchcraft accusations, have created a climate of fear and distrust within the neighbourhood. The court, presided over by Magistrate Meenal Naratom, granted Kumbula a peace order, a temporary measure aimed at preventing further violence and harassment.