A Harare woman and her daughter-in-law are fighting over donated property in a nasty family feud.
An octogenarian woman has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim a Dzivarasekwa residence previously gifted to her deceased son, citing alleged mistreatment by surviving family members.
Contentious Property Dispute Reaches High Court
Jane Chipiti (81) appeared before High Court Justice Fatima Maxwell this week seeking the nullification of a 1994 property donation agreement. The disputed dwelling at 3762 Dzivarasekwa 4 was originally transferred to her late son, Johannes Dembaremba, nearly three decades ago.
Court documents reveal the matriarch’s allegations that her daughter-in-law, Chenai Tepalepa (56), and grandson have failed to honor familial obligations since Johannes’ 2022 passing. Chipiti claims that the recipients have demonstrated “blatant ingratitude” – a legal basis for revoking donations under Zimbabwean law.
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Allegations of Neglect and Defamation
The elderly plaintiff asserts that her relatives have:
- Failed to provide necessary medical care for her diabetes condition
- Damaged the property’s structural integrity
- Publicly accused her of practising witchcraft
Legal representative Rufu Makoni argued these actions constitute sufficient grounds for property reversion. The defense team, led by Scott Mamimine, is contesting the claims.
Historical Context of the Dispute
Chipiti’s affidavit outlines a poignant family history – having raised Johannes single-handedly after her husband’s 1978 death. The 1989 property acquisition represented her life’s work, with the 1994 transfer intended to secure her son’s future while maintaining her lifetime occupancy rights.
“The donation was expressly conditional upon property improvements and my client’s uninterrupted residence,” Makoni emphasized. “These fundamental terms have been violated.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case continues as Zimbabwe’s High Court examines whether the alleged breaches meet the legal threshold for donation revocation. Property law experts note such cases require clear evidence of recipient misconduct that fundamentally contradicts the donation’s original purpose.
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Court officials confirm the matter remains pending before Justice Maxwell’s chamber, with potential implications for similar family property disputes nationwide.
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