Man threatens to kill mother over brother's burial dispute

A 33-year-old man from Plumtree allegedly assaulted his mother and threatened to kill her after demanding that she exhume the body of his brother who had been buried in his absence.

Greater Ndlovu was forced to flee her home and seek refuge with relatives for three months following the violent confrontation with her son, Evans Ndlovu.

According to court proceedings, Evans warned his mother that he would "send her to her ancestors" if she ever returned home, leaving her too frightened to go back to her house. At one point, she reportedly slept in the bush for three weeks while seeking safety.

Evans appeared before Joshua Nembaware at the Plumtree Magistrates' Court facing a charge of physical abuse.

Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that the incident occurred on November 10, 2025, at around 2pm at the family homestead in Bezu Side.

The court heard that Evans punched his mother several times, injuring her right eye, before demanding that she exhume the body of his deceased brother.

When she refused, he allegedly struck her on the head with an iron bar while threatening to kill her.

"I want to send you to your ancestors today," he reportedly said during the assault.

Fearing for her life, Greater fled the homestead, but Evans allegedly continued issuing threats, warning that he would kill her if she returned.

Despite attempts by relatives and the village head to intervene and persuade Evans to respect his mother, the threats reportedly continued.

Unable to return home and fearing further violence, Greater stayed away from the homestead and at one point survived by sleeping in the bush for three weeks.

She later reported the matter to the police, leading to Evans' arrest. The case is before the court.