Harare – Christopher Kaitano has sought legal recourse against his tenant, James Kaswa, claiming that Kaswa is making his life a misery by allegedly interfering in his personal affairs, snatching his girlfriends, and forcefully taking his money.
Kaitano approached the Harare Civil Court, seeking a peace order against Kaswa, whom he accuses of disruptive and abusive behaviour. Magistrate Meenal Naratom granted the peace order, restraining Kaswa from insulting and assaulting his landlord.
Kaitano presented his case to the court, stating that Kaswa routinely interferes in his disputes with his father, taking sides and verbally abusing him. “James is in the habit of interfering in my altercations with my father, taking sides and calling me a poper. My tenant assaults me and tears my clothes,” he said, displaying torn clothing as evidence to the Magistrate.
The landlord further alleged that Kaswa actively sabotages his romantic relationships. “He is my rival as he snatches my girlfriends, telling them bad things about me,” Kaitano claimed, suggesting a pattern of deliberate interference in his personal life.
Adding to the list of grievances, Kaitano accused Kaswa of extortion. “James is also in the habit of forcefully taking my money each time he sees me with money, claiming that he is the only one who knows how to use money,” he told the court.
Desperate for a resolution, Kaitano expressed his frustration and sense of displacement. “I need court’s intervention as I am no longer at my own father’s house. I now feel like a destitute in my own house, l am tired.”
Kaitano made it clear that he sees two possible outcomes: “There are two options. It’s either he complies with the court order, or he vacates my premises as he is making my life a living hell,” said Christopher. “All l need is a court order so that he will stop disturbing me.”
In response to the allegations, James Kaswa denied all accusations, stating that he is rarely at home due to his work commitments.
“It is his habit of taking peace orders against tenants, and l am not the only one whom he has dragged to court,” Kaswa countered, suggesting that Kaitano has a history of conflict with his tenants. “We fought, l did not assault him on the day in question.”
Acknowledging the strained relationship, Kaswa stated, “I will leave his house, but he should stop telling lies. Since my presence is no longer welcome at the premises, l will vacate the place”.