Pastor's daughter abuses father

A Harare-based pastor from the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church has been granted a protection order against his 28-year-old daughter, whom he accused of repeated physical and verbal abuse, and causing havoc at home while under the influence of drugs.

Eliot Madede broke down in tears before Magistrate Meenal Narotam as he described how his daughter, Merlisa, has allegedly become violent and uncontrollable due to drug use.

"As a father, I am failing to reprimand her because she ends up slapping me," said Madede, visibly emotional in court.

He said Merlisa often takes drugs during the day and turns destructive at night — damaging property, insulting him with vulgar language, and sometimes bringing boyfriends for overnight stays at his home.

"She takes all kinds of drugs during the day, and at night she breaks household property, singing vulgar songs in front of me," Madede submitted. "I know it's my duty as a father to control my child, but at this point I am powerless — that is why I am here."

In her defence, Merlisa denied the allegations and accused her father of trying to control her adult life. "He forces me to go to his church when I prefer clubbing with friends," she said. "He must treat me like an adult so that I will be able to respect him."

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Narotam ruled in favour of Pastor Madede, granting the protection order and ordering Merlisa to stop harassing or threatening her father.

The case has highlighted the growing challenge of drug abuse among young adults in Zimbabwe and the emotional toll it is taking on families.