In the previous two editions, we described how Tshilidzi Muzhou faces a battle on multiple fronts after discovering that his late father’s will left the family business to his stepmother, Dora, and her children, excluding him and his sisters.
A village meeting meant to challenge the will descended into chaos, leading to threats, police involvement, and growing tension in the community as loyalties divided. Legal advice revealed that Dora’s claim is likely to stand unless undue influence or fraud can be proven, shifting the conflict from the village square to the courtroom.
Meanwhile, criminal attacks on the businesses and the arson of Tshilidzi’s taxi have escalated fears, leaving the once-thriving commercial centre abandoned and raising unsettling questions about vengeance — or even a possible curse — hanging over the family empire.
“At the time of my father’s death, he had already begun voicing concerns about Patrick’s handling of his finances. One day, unexpectedly, he came to see me at my house. It was the first time I saw him driving alone — without Dora by his side. His face was troubled, his eyes heavy with something unsaid,” Tshilidzi said.
“My son,” the father began, “I need to talk to you seriously about something that has been eating me for weeks. Almost every night, I dream of your mother crying bitterly. She says I have given away the business she worked so hard for to strangers. In the last dream, I saw you in torn clothes, your sister carrying a bag of rags, while Dora and Patrick mocked you openly. The community was protesting, throwing stones at me. And then your mother shouted: ‘Kill this man; he is useless.’ I woke up in terror. I know now things are really bad.”
Tshilidzi’s father paused, his voice trembling. “Look here, son. I admit I made a terrible mistake by handing over the finances to Patrick. I don’t know what got into me. But I can’t blame anyone — I took that decision myself. Ever since I expelled you, I have not seen any profits. Each time I raise this with Dora, it ends in an argument. I am convinced they are siphoning money behind my back. I may not have proof yet, but soon I will uncover it.”
Finally, his father confessed his resolve: “I want us to see a lawyer to draft a new will. I cannot anger your late mother in her resting place anymore. She sacrificed everything for this business. I cannot betray her. Perhaps the gods are speaking to me through these dreams.”
Three days later, tragedy struck. Tshilidzi received the devastating news that his father had died mysteriously. “To this day, I believe someone was behind his sudden death. He could not have signed any will that gave everything to Dora and Patrick. I need to see the documents, check the dates, and challenge what I strongly suspect is forgery,” he said.
This is where my meeting with Tshilidzi ended. I gave him the names of reliable lawyers we work with, who could help him take the matter to court.
VKRA Remarks & Advice
This story reminds us of a painful truth: courts require evidence, not emotions. Dreams, suspicions, and community anger cannot overturn a signed will unless supported by proof. Families must learn to record contributions clearly — whether financial, managerial, or personal — so that sacrifices are recognised in legal disputes.
There must also be a balance between customary law and statutory law. Customary practices honour tradition and community values, but statutory law governs inheritance in the courts. When families fail to bridge these two systems, conflict erupts, often leading to violence and division.
As VKRA, we urge our readers:
Document family contributions and agreements in writing.
Respect both tradition and the law, finding ways to harmonise them.
* Reject violence and intimidation — these destroy legacies instead of protecting them.
* Seek justice through lawful channels, even when emotions run high.
* Only truth, evidence, and dialogue can heal betrayal.