ANCESTRAL HOME DISPUTE IN CHIWUNDURA CONTINUES AFTER COURT ORDERS AND FAMILY DEATHS

A dispute over the Dulula family ancestral home in Chief Chiwundura communal area remains unresolved following multiple court rulings, protection orders, and the deaths of two family members.

The homestead falls under Headman Mtengwa and Kraal Head Dulula. Family members say ceremonies and rituals have been conducted at the home for generations. The property was owned by the late Dulula Sikwekwe, a traditional healer who died in January 1971. His traditional belongings, including divining lots known as hakata, were inherited by his son Moses Mathambo, who was appointed to oversee the home.

Khanda Dulula, also known as Milton, is the current custodian. He says the dispute is with his cousin Leyard Mashiri Nkiwane. Leyard remained at the homestead and claims ownership. Khanda likens his fight to the biblical account of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21, saying he is defending an ancestral legacy.

In 2015, Fikizolo Peter, the last-born son of Dulula Sikwekwe, was given a token of guardianship called chiredzwa by Leyard. Khanda alleges Fikizolo then surrendered the homestead to Leyard without the Dulula family’s knowledge. Fikizolo died in December 2016.

The matter was heard by the late Chief Gambiza in June 2016. The chief ordered Leyard to find his own independent place. In October 2016, Leyard applied for a protection order against Khanda. The magistrate dismissed the application, saying it undermined the chief’s authority.

Leyard relocated in 2018 but later returned to the ancestral home. Chief Gambiza advised him to appeal the ruling. No appeal was filed. After the chief died in November 2018, Leyard and the late Justin Dulula challenged the ruling. In February 2019, a magistrate rescinded the late chief’s judgment. Mr. Arnold Sakuinje of Pundu and Company Legal Practitioners argues that the chief’s order remains extant.

In April 2019, Leyard held an overnight church service at the homestead. Khanda claims this provoked the ancestors’ graves. Village heads Gande and Ndengezi, and Headman Mtengwa, reprimanded Leyard. In May 2019, Khanda and Partson, who handles ritual processes, went to the home to appease the ancestors. A dispute followed. Leyard then filed for a peace order, which was granted in June 2019.

Leyard applied for another peace order in September 2024, citing threats and tree cutting. Khanda denies the allegations. He says his ancestors visit him in dreams, pressing him to restore order at the home and return traditional items. He also referenced the unexplained collapse of Leyard’s kitchen in 2003.

On 8 October 2014, Magistrate Ms. Chirai granted a peace order against Khanda. The order bars him from entering the premises, erecting structures, or coming within 100 metres without invitation.

Two Dulula family members who sided with Leyard have died. Peter Fikizolo died on 22 December 2016. Justin Dulula, a grandson of the ancestor, died on 22 December 2025. Khanda says the coinciding dates have shocked the clan.

Khanda says the situation has left him spiritually and psychologically restless and is appealing to the Chief’s Council to establish a commission of inquiry. He questions how a whole clan can be barred from conducting ceremonies at a family home because of one person from another clan.

The Dulula family is of the Ncube totem, though some members have changed to Moyo for reasons Khanda says are reserved. Leyard’s relatives live nearby, and he joins them for functions, Khanda said.

Khanda maintains there has been no violence or threats. He alleges Leyard is using peace orders to claim ownership of the ancestral home and stated in 2016 that he would “fix” Khanda

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