By Johannes Mike Mupisa
MWENEZI-A humanitarian response has been launched in Mwenezi after the plight of a widow who has reportedly spent days living in open fields with her young children following an inheritance dispute.
Margret Chinyowa of Sabhuku Tekwani, Ward 7, is said to have been forced from her matrimonial home by relatives of her late husband after she declined to enter into a levirate marriage — a traditional practice in which a widow is expected to marry one of her deceased husband’s brothers.
According to Chinyowa, she has endured nearly 15 years of widowhood. She alleges that after refusing the customary arrangement, she was evicted from the home about three weeks ago she shared with her late husband and has since been sheltering with her children in nearby fields, exposed to the harsh winter conditions.
Speaking about her ordeal, Chinyowa said she sought assistance from traditional leaders, but was advised to leave the disputed homestead to avoid escalating the conflict.
“They told me that disputes over land could lead to calamity and advised me to leave,” she said.
The late husband’s younger brothers, who are reportedly from a different mother, argue that the homestead was built on their father’s land and that Chinyowa has no right to continue occupying it after her husband’s death. The revelations have shocked residents, many of whom were unaware of the family’s living conditions.
Local well-wisher Ewart Gezani has since initiated a fundraising campaign to assist the family with shelter and other basic necessities.
Ward 7 Councillor Killion Murabarari described the situation as heartbreaking.
“This is a terrible situation that has remained hidden from the public for far too long. No family should be forced to live under such conditions,” he said.
The MP Mwenezi North Constituency, Master Pikilo Makope, called for peaceful resolution of family disputes while urging that the law be allowed to protect vulnerable members of society.
“Families should resolve their differences amicably. At a time when Government is promoting unity across all sectors, we do not expect such incidents. The law must take its course in protecting this widow and her children. It is particularly distressing that young children have been exposed to severe winter conditions because of circumstances beyond their control. I would also like to thank everyone who raised the alarm,” he said.
Mwenezi District Development Coordinator Isaac Mutambara said his office had moved in after receiving reports of the family’s circumstances.
“In situations of this nature, members of the public should promptly notify the District Development Coordinator’s office so that disaster management interventions can be activated. We have undertaken to provide a temporary tent and food assistance while stakeholders work together to construct a permanent home for the family,” he said.
As part of the immediate relief efforts, mp Makope donated an undisclosed amount towards the purchase of building materials and food, while Councillor Murabarari contributed maize and rapoko to help feed the family.
The incident has reignited debate over the treatment of widows, inheritance rights and the protection of vulnerable families, with community leaders calling for stronger awareness of legal protections available to widows and children.
As the community mobilises to rebuild Chinyowa’s life, many hope the tragedy will serve as a reminder that compassion, justice and collective responsibility remain essential in safeguarding the dignity of society’s most vulnerable members.
