Abraham Mwanyekange
Ester Martin, a 66-year-old pensioner, is facing eviction with her family of over 25 people in Elyambala, Ongwediva.
The family has reportedly lived on the land (Erf 5407) for the past 60 years.
They claim their land was sold by an in-law without their consent.
What is more, Martin is not sure how the land was transferred to her daughter, whose husband would later sell it, as they are married in community of property.
Allegedly, her son-in-law, a Zimbabwean national, was involved in the sale of the land.
The daughter, Jordan Tuyenikumwe Mutatabikwa, is married to Brain Mutatabikwa.
When approached for comment, she expressed shock and frustration. “I only found out about the sale in 2024 when we received the first eviction letter. My husband and I got married in community of property, and the land was transferred to my name before we married. I don’t know how my husband managed to sell it without my knowledge,” she said.
Efforts to get a comment from the husband were futile, as his mobile phone went unanswered after several attempts. Text messages left on his phone were also not responded to.
The daughter claims she is a victim of circumstance and is now facing backlash from her family.
“My husband sold the land without my knowledge. I don’t know how much or to whom. I only heard the buyer is our immediate neighbour. I didn’t see the money, and now I’m in trouble. People might think I betrayed my mother, but the truth is, I don’t know what happened,” she claimed.
Tuyenikumwe said she tried to reason with her husband, but he has been unresponsive. “I’ve advised him to sell one of his properties to refund the buyer, but he hasn’t done anything. I’ve also tried to get him to engage with the buyer and reach an agreement, but he just says everything will be fine,” she added.
With the eviction looming, Tuyenikumwe is apparently preparing to stand by her mother and face the consequences together. “I’m going home to Ongwediva on Tuesday to support my mom and face eviction with her if necessary. I love my mom, and I’m not going to abandon her,” she said.
The community is rallying behind Martin, raising funds for a private lawyer to oppose the eviction. The plan is to file a Notice of Intention to Oppose and investigate the property transfer to identify any irregularities.