Siblings’ inheritance dispute spills into court

A GLEN VIEW woman has won a protection order against her brother, whom she accused of bashing her over inheritance.

 

The inheritance battle between the siblings has escalated into violence, landing the family members in court after a physical assault erupted during an argument over property left behind by their late father.

 

Alice Muteve told Magistrate Ms Johanna Mukwesha how she was assaulted by her brother, Tapiwa Muteve.

 

“My own brother beat me up over a house that doesn’t even belong to him yet, and we haven’t even finished the estate process,” she said.

 

“He thinks because he’s older, he can take everything. I have been living in fear ever since.”

 

According to her, the dispute started after the death of their father in 2023.

 

He left behind an estate, including a family house in Glen View, a plot of land in Seke and several vehicles.

 

She stated that their father reportedly died without a valid will, and the distribution of his assets became the centre of a long standing conflict.

 

Her eldest brother claimed he had been the one taking care of their ailing father for years and felt entitled to the house and most of the estate.

 

However, she argued that the estate should be shared equally among all five siblings.

 

Matters came to a head two weeks ago when Tapiwa allegedly stormed the family home, which Alice had temporarily moved into, demanding that she vacate the premises.

 

Their neighbour, Ms Agnes Kurawo, who witnessed the incident said:

 

“The incident began as a shouting match and quickly escalated when Tapiwa reportedly slapped his sister. He shoved her into a glass door and threatened to burn the property if she did not move out.”

 

However, the respondent denied the assault allegations, and told the court that his sister had provoked him by insulting their late father.

 

“I did not touch her. It’s her who pushed me first, and I only defended myself. I have taken care of our father alone for years, paid the bills, the medicals, everything. Now they all want to benefit equally?” he argued.

 

Family members, including their sister and two cousins, were present in court but declined to comment.

 

Magistrate Mukwesha advised the siblings to seek help from lawyers to resolve their matter. The brother was also warned against taking the law into his own hands. Herald