Kumbirai Kangai's First Wife Wins $345,750 in Landmark Inheritance Case.
A court has awarded Esther Chatindo, the first wife of the late national hero Kumbirai Kangai, $345,750 in maintenance from his $8 million estate. The ruling comes after a 12-year legal battle.
When Kangai died in 2013, his will left Ms. Chatindo out. She had been his customary law wife since 1957. They separated in 1964 when he joined the liberation struggle.
Ms. Chatindo claimed their customary bond lasted until his death. She asked for $345,750 to cover $2,401 per month for 12 years. She also sought property from Paarl Farm equal to that amount.
Mirriam Kangai, who married Kangai in 1981, contested the claim. She said Ms. Chatindo's marriage was invalid. Mirriam argued she was the only wife entitled to support.
Evidence showed Kangai had children with several women. Some were also left out of his will. Mirriam admitted her husband had many affairs.
Justice Emelia Muchawa ruled that Zimbabwe recognizes customary marriages. She found Ms. Chatindo lived as Kangai's wife for 56 years.
Ms. Chatindo faced hardship during this time. Rhodesian authorities questioned her. She lived in exile in Malawi and Kenya. She raised their children in difficult conditions. Her contributions to the family were clear.
At age 83, Ms. Chatindo relies on others for care. She has arthritis and uses a wheelchair. Her small pension does not cover her medical and living expenses.
The court said Ms. Chatindo met all criteria for maintenance. Her claim would not unfairly deprive other beneficiaries. The $8 million estate could cover her needs.
Justice Muchawa called Ms. Chatindo "a surviving spouse" and "a qualifying dependent." The ruling honored her sacrifices and place in Kangai's life.
The $345,750 award, with the option of property, represented justice for Ms. Chatindo and many overlooked women. The decision highlighted the importance of customary law in modern Zimbabwe.
A court has awarded Esther Chatindo, the first wife of the late national hero Kumbirai Kangai, $345,750 in maintenance from his $8 million estate. The ruling comes after a 12-year legal battle.
When Kangai died in 2013, his will left Ms. Chatindo out. She had been his customary law wife since 1957. They separated in 1964 when he joined the liberation struggle.
Ms. Chatindo claimed their customary bond lasted until his death. She asked for $345,750 to cover $2,401 per month for 12 years. She also sought property from Paarl Farm equal to that amount.
Mirriam Kangai, who married Kangai in 1981, contested the claim. She said Ms. Chatindo's marriage was invalid. Mirriam argued she was the only wife entitled to support.
Evidence showed Kangai had children with several women. Some were also left out of his will. Mirriam admitted her husband had many affairs.
Justice Emelia Muchawa ruled that Zimbabwe recognizes customary marriages. She found Ms. Chatindo lived as Kangai's wife for 56 years.
Ms. Chatindo faced hardship during this time. Rhodesian authorities questioned her. She lived in exile in Malawi and Kenya. She raised their children in difficult conditions. Her contributions to the family were clear.
At age 83, Ms. Chatindo relies on others for care. She has arthritis and uses a wheelchair. Her small pension does not cover her medical and living expenses.
The court said Ms. Chatindo met all criteria for maintenance. Her claim would not unfairly deprive other beneficiaries. The $8 million estate could cover her needs.
Justice Muchawa called Ms. Chatindo "a surviving spouse" and "a qualifying dependent." The ruling honored her sacrifices and place in Kangai's life.
The $345,750 award, with the option of property, represented justice for Ms. Chatindo and many overlooked women. The decision highlighted the importance of customary law in modern Zimbabwe.
