First Lady tackles inheritance issues

The First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa says there is need for Zimbabweans to be conversant with legislation governing the administration of estates to curb issues of disinheritance.

This came out during a workshop attended by widows and stakeholders on justice delivery.

Inheritance and succession laws often bring controversy in the society and it is against this background that Amai Mnangagwa arranged a workshop and called on experts to explain the legislative provisions.

Addressing hundreds of widows at Magamba Hall in Warren Park, Harare, the First Lady said her office has been inundated with complaints, hence her decision to call the concerned parties together.

She called on widows to seek help from experts rather than relying on hearsay.

The Master of the High Court, Mr Eldered Mutasa said there are a lot of complications that arise from the current legislation.

He also said the role of his office is to implement the law, adding that any changes can only be done by the legislature.

The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Director, Mr Charles Manhiri said there is need for vulnerable groups to seek legal advice from his ministry and engage organisations that offer free legal advice.

The gathering turned emotional as some of the affected people poured out their hearts, revealing that there are threats of losing their properties.

It has also been established that most of the issues raised by widows and beneficiaries of estates are as a result of ignorance of the law.

Those who attended applauded the First Lady for bringing such a programme to the vulnerable community.

This is the first time such a gathering has been convened and it has already generated a lot of interest among citizens.

Property grabbing by relatives is a criminal offence that can attract up to two years in prison, a fine or both.

The practice affects both widows and widowers, and children are often on the receiving end.