A Zimbabwean man has obtained a court protection order against his 40-year-old son, whose gambling addiction has reportedly turned their home into a place of fear and turmoil.
Ethan Abinal appeared before Harare Magistrate Meenal Narotam, accusing his son, Trust Abinal, of verbal abuse, theft, and violent behavior—all driven by an unrelenting need to fund his gambling habit.
According to Ethan, Trust often borrowed from loan sharks and, when unable to repay, resorted to stealing from family members. In one instance, he allegedly took his sibling’s sewing machine to settle a debt.
Ethan testified that the confrontations frequently escalated into threats and aggression, leaving the household in constant distress. He said the emotional toll had worsened his and his wife’s health, prompting them to turn to the legal system for relief.
In a surprising move, Trust did not contest the application. He told the court he would accept the ruling if his presence was indeed causing harm to his family—an acknowledgment that underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Magistrate Narotam granted the protection order, barring Trust from harassing or stealing from his family. She ordered him to vacate the family home and attend addiction counseling, stressing that at 40, he must take accountability for his life, seek help, and live independently.
