A Penhalonga woman went to a community court over a custody fight for her granddaughter. Grace Jekwa said her daughter, Chiedza Matangira, abandoned the child as a baby fourteen years ago and fled to South Africa. Now, with the girl's father dead and Matangira remarried, Jekwa claims her daughter is trying to secretly take the child back without discussion.
Jekwa told Chief Mutasa she raised the girl alone with no support. She accused both her daughter and the late father's brother of going behind her back, visiting the child at school, and giving her gifts. Jekwa said she fears they will just take the girl away. She also expressed shock that her daughter filed a civil case without talking to her first.
The chief stated the mother has legal custody since the father is deceased, but warned the uncle against any unlawful attempts to remove the child. He emphasized this was a family issue needing a private meeting to resolve, with the child's well-being as the priority. The court adjourned to arrange a closed-door session with all involved parties.
Jekwa told Chief Mutasa she raised the girl alone with no support. She accused both her daughter and the late father's brother of going behind her back, visiting the child at school, and giving her gifts. Jekwa said she fears they will just take the girl away. She also expressed shock that her daughter filed a civil case without talking to her first.
The chief stated the mother has legal custody since the father is deceased, but warned the uncle against any unlawful attempts to remove the child. He emphasized this was a family issue needing a private meeting to resolve, with the child's well-being as the priority. The court adjourned to arrange a closed-door session with all involved parties.
