A Zimbabwean man has secured a court order for protection against his 40-year-old son, whose gambling addiction has led to repeated verbal abuse, theft, and violent outbursts within the family home.

Ethan Abinal brought the matter before Harare Magistrate Meenal Narotam, stating that his son, Trust Abinal, has made life unbearable for the entire household in pursuit of money to feed his gambling habit. In court, Ethan described how Trust would borrow recklessly from loan sharks and, when unable to repay, resorted to stealing family possessions. One such incident involved Trust taking his sibling’s sewing machine to settle debts.

The father testified that Trust becomes threatening and abusive when confronted, creating an atmosphere of fear. He said the constant stress had worsened both his and his wife’s health conditions, which ultimately forced them to seek legal protection.

Surprisingly, Trust did not oppose the court application. He told the court he would comply with the decision if his presence was causing distress to his family, an admission that underlined the seriousness of the family rift.

Magistrate Narotam, in her ruling, prohibited Trust from harassing or stealing from his family and ordered him to leave the parental home. She also directed him to attend addiction counselling, stressing that at his age he must take responsibility for his actions and begin living independently while working to overcome his addiction.