In last week’s column, we learned how Tshilidzi Muzhou discovered that his late father’s will left the family’s business empire entirely to his stepmother, Dora, and her children - cutting him and his sisters out completely. A village meeting convened to challenge this ended in chaos, with Dora and her lawyer fleeing for their lives. The matter remained unresolved.
The meeting with Chief Davhula had ended in uproar. Dora and her lawyer fled under threats, while villagers shouted that the business must return to Tshilidzi. But the chaos of that day was only the beginning.
In the days that followed, Dora reported the threats to the police. A case was opened against Tshilidzi, Chief Davhula, and several villagers for intimidation. Tshilidzi, meanwhile, wrestled with anger and strategy. He wanted justice, but he knew violence would only weaken his claim.
The businesses continued under Patrick’s management, but the atmosphere was tense. Customers whispered about the dispute - some boycotted the supermarket and tavern, while others supported Dora out of sympathy. What had once been a thriving shopping centre now stood divided, a battlefield of loyalty.
Seeking clarity, Tshilidzi consulted a lawyer. The advice was sobering: while customary law and community rulings carry weight, the courts ultimately recognise the Wills Act of 1953. Unless the will could be challenged as fraudulent or invalid, Dora’s claim would stand.
This revelation shook him. “So even if my father was influenced, even if I built that empire, the law says I have no right?” he asked bitterly. The lawyer nodded. “Unless you can prove undue influence, forgery, or lack of capacity when the will was signed, the courts will uphold it.”
The battle had shifted from the village square to the courtroom.
Meanwhile, criminal elements began to exploit the turmoil. One fateful night, burglars broke into all the businesses - stealing what they could and destroying whatever they could not carry away. They left behind a chilling note: We will be back; this is just the beginning.
Rumours spread quickly. Patrick and Dora vowed revenge, promising that whoever was responsible would pay dearly. Dora, known for her belief in sangomas and black magic, was determined not to be defeated.
But the unthinkable happened just two days later. Tshilidzi woke in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke. His taxi - the only asset his father had left him - was engulfed in flames. Suspicion immediately fell on Patrick, who believed Tshilidzi was behind the vandalism of the businesses.
Now, all the businesses have been shut down. The once-bustling centre lies abandoned, a ghost town. Both cases are under police investigation, but Tshilidzi’s greatest fear remains: the empire his family built is crumbling before his eyes.
“Could this be a curse?” he asked quietly.
VKRA Remarks
As VKRA, we strongly condemn the use of violence, intimidation, or destruction as a way to resolve disputes. Conflict over inheritance and succession must be addressed through lawful channels, dialogue, and respect for justice. Violence only deepens wounds, divides communities, and destroys the very legacy families seek to protect. True resolution comes through peace, fairness, and the pursuit of truth.