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Dr Chigwedere

Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Former Mashonaland East Provincial Governor and Education Minister Dr Aeneas Chigwedere, who is involved in a dramatic witchcraft debacle with his son, is now demanding a paternity test within 15 days to establish whether or not the feuding duo are related. In a chamber application filed at the High Court last week, Dr Chigwedere said he wanted paternity to be dealt with once and for all.

Three months ago, the ex-minister approached the High Court seeking to subject his accuser to a paternity test to determine whether or not he is the biological father. Mangwiza Chigwedere made headlines in the media last year, accusing the politician and traditional leader of witchcraft. The matter is still pending at the Constitutional Court.

“Among the various reasons that prompted myself to approach the court for such relief is the fact that the respondent’s birth, childhood and adulthood have always been surrounded with various family issues, which always cast suspicion and doubt on whether or not he really is my biological son,” said Dr Chigwedere in his latest application. Sadly, it has now become critical that the issue be resolved as we both now have competing rights and interests regarding the devolution of my estate in the event of my demise. Hence my approaching this court.”

After Dr Chigwedere served Mangwiza with his application in July, he acceded to his father’s request, but set conditions for the paternity tests, which conditions Dr Chigwedere is also agreeable to. In addition, Dr Chigwedere agreed to cover costs for the paternity tests, which he prefers to be conducted at the National Blood Transfusion Services in Harare, for the sake of progress in the matter. In his application in July, the historian raised doubts over Mangwiza’s paternity. Masawi & Partners Legal Practitioners are representing Dr Chigwedere in the court application.