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CONTINUATION

Joël :

A week, may be two.

Ambuya :

My family is falling apart. You went to live find and Patrick went. I wish we were together like it was when you were young.

Joël :

Don’t cry Amaye. I’m here to help you !

Phineas; is everything ready   ?

Phineas :

Yes.

( They go to the grave yard. After they house buried, the elder of the village begins distributing Patrick’s things. But gives nothing to Neria. Neria gets angry and stands up; she goes to the stone where they used to sit with Patrick.)

Neria : (Speaking to herself)  : why did God take you away ? I’ll never understand ! Things were going so well for us but now ; now my life is empty. I’m not used to being alone. I’m weak.

(Phineas comes to look for her).

Phineas : Aah , I knew you might be her. This was Patrick’s favorite place ! Wasn’t it ? Mama Mavis, I need to talk to you. I know it is too early yet for you to think early but I just wanted to let you know that where the time comes, I’m always here to help you. I mean, when it comes to the crunch, you can always lean on my should. The children need a story united family.  (He wants to touch Neria’s thigh but

Neria pushes her hand).

Phineas : Perhaps we should go now.

Neria : You, go  ! I want to stay longer.

Phineas : Ok, Huuuu m  ! un un ! ( Ambuya with her sons and old man.

Old man : I agree with Mukoma, Phineas. The sooner we do this, the better. Let do it

tomorrow.

Ambuya :

Let us wait. It has only been a few weeks !

Phineas :

But, I mean, Joël is here now.

Ambuya :

You know, in the days of your grand-father, no formalities were carried out until one year after the burial.  Only  two weeks have passed  !

Phineas :

But V may not be able to come back. In the days of grand-father countries.

Ambuya :

You know , Neria  is in no condition to make decisions. That’s why tradition

places the space of one year. We want to be certain that deceases travels happily with no prevents left behind.

Phineas :

Then, that’s the question of property. In the always you talk of, there were no pen books, no cars.

Joël      :

( Shopping Phineas) : Phineas  ! We have just last a brother and there in a widow and children to be taken care of ; And all what you can talk of is dollar and car  !

You can’t even think o these children !

Phineas :

Ngruma, I was only saying it for you  ! This might be you only chance.

Joël      :

It is not like I will never come back, Phineas.

Old man : Gentlemen, okay  ! It is decide, we are not going to have this ceremony until after a full year and that is that.

( Phineas and his young brother stand up angrily and go away ).

( Phineas in his house with his wife ).

Phineas : I spoke to mother and Joël  about the inheritance ceremony. They insisted that it must wait.

Wife :   Yeah  ! That’s it.

Phineas : Don’t you understand women ? It’s the duty of the elder brother to look after the

family of the young brother. Joël is never here, that is it ?

Neria : Leave all the heirs to Neria. Neria is responsible laugh took care of herself and her

children. You just want the money and pretty women.

Phineas

What are you talking about. You are disgusting.

Maria :

Don’t think I haven’t  seen the way you are looking at her ! (She spit, on the floor, saying) : It is disgusting !

(Phineas beats her saying).

Phineas :

If you continue, I will through you the jingle where you belong. But if you believe, you can come and live with me in the city and look after the children.

Wouldn’t it be nice to ride in a car ? And to own a house in town.

Maria :

You plan to take her house ?

Phineas :

Her house  ? What are you talking about ? I paid the bride price for that woman.

( Neria and her children go back to the city. When they arrived home, they find that .the house has completely changed. The chars the beds, clothes, everything has gone. Neria goes to see her neigh beer and friend Connie .

Connie :

Eh, Neria. I’m happy to see you  !

Neria :

Connie, where is my furniture   ?

Connie :

Last night Phineas came with Muhahuzi’s truck. He said you instructed him to

take everything in to the village.

( Neria begins crying and Connie )

(At work). Neria explain her co-woken what have happened).

Francisca :  That is the worry it has always been. The properties all stay with the husband’s

totem.

Connie : An an, Francisca. Times have changed. Now, more women are working for providing for their family.

Nerica :      I will have to stand all over. All my savings alone with Patrick are out of my control.

Mlauzi :           You mean, they have your bank looks !

Neria : Please, only on bank look and Phineas has it.

Mlauzi :           On Patrick’s name.

Neria : Uhum !

Therida :          Can Phineas use it   ? He can’t pass for Patrick, unless he folds it !

Neria : I think he can. They both have the same initial.

Chipo : I have some friends. They could teach Phineas a lesson.

Francisca :      I’m sure they are preparing to take you back to the village Neria.

Neria : I can’t abandon my life here !

Therida : Why don’t you write to Phineas asking him for the savings books ? I’m sure he

would understand !

Connie :           Ah  ! Phineas ? I doubt it !

( Neria arrives home and begins writing Phineas a letter ).

Dear Phineas, we are all well but things a very difficult. I can’t manage all the expenses.

A part from buying food for me, there are so money uniforms and supplies. Please, Phineas come to Harare with the bank book; together here we can go to the bank a plain what has happened and get the money, but for Patrick’s children.

Yours, Neria.

(Mea, while, Neria children have began selling small things live tomatoes, vegetables … and cleaning cares for people who propose then money for that.

When Phineas receives the letter, he laughs then much, making Neria).

( Jethro pays his sister, Neria, a visit ).

Neria :

Jethro, It’s a month since I wrote to Phineas, no word from him.

Jethro :

Well, sister. Next week, I’ll be payed for the first turn. I’ll give you money for the school fees.

Neria :

But, we have money in the bank, Gudi. Why is Phineas doing this ? When father died, uncle took such care of us that we never had problem !

Jethro :

Well, but them, we all stayed in the village together as one family !

Neria :

Patrick and I worked very hard for what we have.

Jethro :

I know, sister. Unfortunately, today, the care greedy people who just trust our tradition to sweet themselves !

( At her office, Neria sees her children coming ).

Neria :

What are you doing here ? You should be in school !

Mavis :

They have just chassed us from school again. Until you pay the fees.

Neria :

Don’t worry about the school fees, you will go to school tomorrow.

( She sends her children at home ).

( Neria goes to her friend’s to borrow money so that she can pay her children’s school fees).

Connie :

There is something else you can do beside borrowing money.

Neria :

What   ? Except waiting home !

Connie :

Mister Machacha, a lawyer who helped me daring my divorce, why don’t you see him ?

Neria :

How can a lawyer help ? There’s no will !

Connie :

Never mind the will  ! Ever without will you can get what belong to you.

Neria :

But it must be very expensive  ! I can’t a ford it !

Connie :

I think the lawyer’s fees can be settled from the easted founds.

Neria :

How can I fight my children’s own blood ?

Connie :

Don’t worry ; I was afraid at first but I harmed, I had to understand the maws and use the to protect myself.

Neria :

I don’t know  ! I need to think about it. Thank you Connie.

( Neria goes back home. When she arrives, she wants to open the door with her keys but, the door is pulls quickly. Phineas and his wife have already occupied the house as if it was theirs).

Phineas

Hello, Neria. Come in. Maria is preparing the tea.

Maria :

Hello, mammy Neria.

Neria :

How, how did…

Phineas :

( Not waiting her to finish)  : I found Patrick’s key when I was packing his things.

Come in. let me take your bag.

( Neria gets in and immediately Maria brings tea and begins serving her ).

Maria :

How much sager shall I put in your tea ?

Neria :

Two.

Maria :

Only two  ? Ah my … are you not feeling well ,

Neria :

I’m alright;

Phineas :

(Touching Neria’s shoulder). Yes, ma Mavis !

( Children come back from school ).

Phineas :

( Caring Shingi on his legs)  : hello you man, Hello Mavis  !

Do you want a game ?

Shingi :

Yeah, game !

Phineas :

I’m here from now all to help you all and give you every things that you need.

Mavis :

Aaah ; Just thanks uncle Phineas.

Maria :

Mavis, tomorrow we  can go to the city, we get you a new dress. You will look so pretty !

Mavis :

Yeah, may be !

(Back from the city where they went to do shopping, Shingi begins doing his home work in the ground).

Phineas :

What are you doing, Shingi ?

Shingi :

Maths.

( He opens the child’s copybook and puts him questions. The child succeeds them

all).

Phineas :

Good, you are good it seems ! If you come and live with Ambuya, you can help me in the store. How do you like that, Shingi ?

Shingi :

Would you pay me any money ?

Phineas :

Why would you need money ?

Shingi :

Because mom doesn’t have enough anymore.

Phineas :

If you come and help, uncle Phineas would pay you.

Shingi :

Can Mammy and Mavis come too ?

Phineas :

Of course, Shingi. I’m prepared to take the responsibility of looking you all.

Shingi :

I think it’s a good idea to us to great Ambuya !

( Neria is already behind them, listening ).

Phineas :

Good.

Neria :

Good after noon, Phineas.

Phineas :

( Scared). Good after noon.

Neria :

Shingi, have you done your home work ?

Shingi :

Almost, mom. Uncle Phineas is helping me.

(Neria gets in the house to find her daughter, Mavis, in a new dress and hair straightened).

Neria :

Where did you get that dress ? What have you done to your hair ?

Mavis :

Aunt Maria brought me to town. She didn’t want us wasting time, haying enough.

( Then Neria begins crying and goes in her bedroom). When she enters her room, Maria comes out from hers and Phineas arrives with Shingi from outside. They take Mavis, waiting to show her that they love her more her mother does at night; Neria has a terrible night mare. She shouts a lot, then her friend Connie comes to help Phineas and his wife also comes but Connie chasses them.

Connie :

Get away.

Maria :

Who allowed you to get in my own home  ?

( Connie gets angry and beats Maria on the cheek ).

Connie :

It will never be yours !

( Phineas and Maria go, leaving Neria being taken care of b Connie ).

Connie :

What is a terrible night more ! Oh God  ! Connie, I’m so afraid !

Connie :

Don’t worry.

( Neria comes back from the work to find the locks of her house door changed and nobody is still there. She begins calling her children but no one replies. She trays to open once more but in vain. She sits down and begins crying. She then decides to go to the village. She finds Phineas there).

Neria :

Where are my children   ? Phineas, where are my children ?

Phineas :

They come because they wanted to, didn’t they ?

Neria :

(They). First you steal my money and my furniture. Now my children !

( Phineas wants to be her ).

Neria :

Don’t touch me !

( The friends Phineas was playing with stare at them dazed. He chases them ).

Phineas :

How are you looking at ? Get out of here !

Neria :

I want my children !

Phineas :

How can you behave like this ? At your husband’s home ! You have no respect

for our ancestors ! The ones who guards this place. You are asking for curse on yourself.

Neria :

Here is Amaye ? She want to stand for this ?

Phineas :

She is visiting her sister’s village. Isn’t she ?

Neria :

Oooh, so, you had all this planned  ! Didn’t you ?

( Neria leave Phineas there. she surrounds the village calling his children in front of doors to hear where they might bestially, Mavis replies).

Mavis :

(With a low voice)  : I’m here, mammy.

( Neria gets in and finds her daughter very sick, laying on the floor ).

Mavis :

I’m so sick. It is paining in my stomach, I didn’t want to come. She scared me.

Neria :

Where is Shingi.

Mavis :

Out with the geto.

( Neria goes to see Phineas )

Neria :

Mavis must go to the hospital right now, please !

Phineas :

Don’t panicky. A child like her, before I come back from the shop, she would be true.

Neria :

But, she has a very high fever.

Phineas :

Now, look, I can’t just get of that Keany. Who else can take care of the shop ?

( Without saying a ward, Neria returns to the hut where she left her daughter and takes her to hospital on her back).

At the hospital

Doctor :

You are luck she arrived in time ! It is a severe attack of appendicitis. We must operate immediately !

Neria :

Operation !

(After the hospital treatments Neria and her daughter don’t return to the village. Neria goes to see her friend Connie).

Neria :

Connie, I want the name of the lawyer. (In the lawyer’s office !

Lawyer :

Now, the  situation is possible. There are solutions to every case. There are laws to protect widows. Boy, don’t be afraid. Did you husband leave a will ?

Neria :

No, he died suddenly.

Lawyer :

Where were you married.

Neria :

In Sumbusha.

Lawyer :

Was you marriage registered.

Neria :

We had the traditional ceremonies but we were also married the church and signed the register.

Lawyer :

We call that the registered civil marring. Do you have your marriage certificate?

Neria :

Yes, but no with me.

Lawyer :

That’s fine. I don’t need it now. Mis. Kasande, you are in a good position to recover your husband’s properties and keep your children.

Neria :

Even without a will ?

Lawyer : It would have been simpler if your husband had left will but even without a will we should be able to solve out this state. We should be able to get the fouse for you. But of course you must understand that the house will not be for you personally by for you and your children.

Neria : Of course. But, what about the furniture and the bank book ?

Lawyer :   That will take more time and effort. Your brother in law is behaving as if the he is the heir of his brother’s property ! That’s wrong. In cachet’s a punishable

fact. The community has appointed that, the heir is normally the doles child but if the child is under the age of lighten, the mother would most likely be appointed guardian to manage the property.

Neria :

So, is the first stape for me to go to the community court ?

Lawyer

:

No, First, you must go to the master’s office. There, you will fill in two forms. The dead notice and the list of all the property. The master’s office will transfer you to the community court for the appointment of the heir.

Neria :

Do you mean I can do it all myself ?

Lawyer :

It’s quite simple. Oh, but own more thing; you should get your husband’s

paying.  I suggest that you do that right away. So, Mrs. Kasande, good luck. If you have any problem, please, do give me a call.

Neria :

Thanks very much, mister Machacha.

Lawyer :

Ok.

( Neria goes to see her brother Jethro ).

Jethro :

I know you are worried about Shingi and Mavis. I’ll bring Shingi back. Don’t be worried !

(Jethro begins singing for his sister. After that, Neria goes to see her daughter in hospital).

Neria :

(Touching her daughter’s fingers) : The lawyer said we will get everything back. I’m learning things that’s I was never aware of. Things are changing.

They are getting better for us.

Mavis :

I’m so proud of you, mom.

( To the master ).

Master :

Casting the paging in life. This should help the paper treated away. Is there anything else we can help you ?

Neria :

No. thank you. I’m managing quite well now.

( Neria goes to the communicate court with her brother ).

Receptionist :  Good morning. Can I help you ? You will soon be informed of the date when your relatives must appear in the community court. That will be all.

Neria : Thank you very much.

(Jethro, Neria’s brother, goes to the village in the goal of stealing Shingi.

There, he pays one child to help him bring Shingi out of Phineas’ house. Then

Jethro brings Shingi back to the city and find Neria and Mavis there. They are all happy).

( Phineas in the village with his mother ).

Ambuya :

Now, look what you’ve done. Shingi is lost.

Phineas :

He is not lost Amayi. Obviously, he went to his uncle Jethro.

Ambuya :

Because of your greed, we have to go to court.

Phineas :

Greed ?

Ambuya :

What do you want me to say ?

Phineas :

Patrick is our family, Amayi.

Ambuya :

Our tradition says, use must take this family as he would have. Now you have misused our traditions. There are   ancestors will not let this.

Pheneas :

What about the children then  ? She can’t take proper care of them, Amayi !

Ambuya :

Are you saying you can  ?

Mavis Nelly died here or your care ( Phineas stands up furiously and goes away ).

( At the community court ).

Presiding : Officer  : the master’s office has appointed Mrs. Kasande the will of the

deceased a the executer of their state.

Philemon’s :  I could agree do this   !

Ambuya :

Be quick. Let wait and see.

Lawyer :

I know that an application has been made by Mrs. Kasande. From the master’s office for her house. I’m sure that should be successful !

Phineas :

What is this ?

Lawyer :

In considering such an application, the contribution the spouse mode to his property will take into account.

Phineas :

Look, it’s my brother’s property that you are talking about !

Presiding officer : Please, mister Kasande, sit down. The court will they to protect the right of all those interested in these things.

Judge :

Now, regarding the lows of this court, the heir of the property will be the eldest surviving child of the deceased. I’m this case, it is daughter Mavis.

Phineas :

Noooh, man ! How can everything go to Mavis ? She will take everything into her husband’s home when she gets married !

Ambuya :

Sir, you law does not respect our tradition  ?

Judge :

The money and properties that Mavis inherits must only be used for her father’s dependents. Because the heir is under the age of lighten, her mother Mrs. Kasande will act as guardian. That is, should manage all property in trust for her children until her daughter is lightened.

Phineas :

You mean to say that we don’t get anything   ? You mean we don’t get

anything   ?  ! ! the immediately stands up and goes away. The following day, Neria’s furniture is brought back home. The women of the crocheting cooperative are waiting for them in front of Neria’s house and shout with joy when the lorry with the furniture arrives.

Francisca :      I never thought this would happen !

Connie :

We must thank those in the wind.

Neria :

( The lorry driver)  : Thank you ?

Ariver :

( Giving the bank book) : just could you keep this ?

Connie :

Did he manage to clean you out ?

Neria :

He hasn’t touched it !

Therida :

What about the car ? Don’t tell me all of it’s parts are already sold.

Ariver :

I’ve been sent. I know nothing about the car ?

Connie :

(Already on the lorry : Neria and the other women join her) : Neria, don’t just stand there. You fought for it. (Neria climbs up in the lorry with her friends and they bring everything in the home).

( The following day, a police officer brings a notification for Neria to sign. She is called to the Supreme Court, accused by Phineas)

Neria :

( At work, telling her friends what have just happened) : I just can’t believe we

could go through all this once again.

Francisca :      What has happened  ?

Connie :           The man is disparate.

Neria : But he claims to be the children’s guardian !

If he wins….

Connie :  No chance ! He is just trying to scare you. The community court has already made it’s decision. Don’t worry : Mister Machacha will Sault amount.

Neria :

I’m so tired of it all !

Therida :

When you walk into that court, I know you are going to stand like a lion which is protecting its cubs.

Mlauzi :

I’m coming, Neria. Even if, it seems to be difficult !

( All the women get together and begin singing. They invite Neria to sing with them but she fluids it difficult).

( At the court for a second time ).

Presiding officer :  Can you, please, raise your right hand and state your full name  ?

Phineas :    ( He does what he has been asked and says) : My name is Phineas Muchatuta Kasande.

Presiding officer : Do you swear that the evidence that you are going to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth of your God  ?

Phineas :          So, help me God !

Presiding officer :  Thank you, my Lord. (And he sits down ).

Judge : Thank you ! Yes, mister Chikwanji. (Phineas’ defender).

Mr. Chikwanji : You think that you are in a better position regarding finances ?

Phineas : Oh, yes, Most certainly ! Oh own a shop, I have cattle, I have property and I certain have no problem paying my children school fees !

Mr. Chikwanji :  And you are quiet happy ? And ready to extend your financial position to the family of your deceased brother  ?

Phineas : Oh, yes. My lord, I am a tradition al man. There was never a question in my mind as to my responsibility towards his family I assume that they will come and live with me ? Under my protection in the village when left I was shocked.

Mr. Chikwanji :  Was there anything else in Mrs. Kasande’s behavior that was of concern to

you  ?

Phineas :

Oh, yes. Almost defiantly my Lord, it was clear that, Neria my sister-in-law had become emotionally disturbed. She was doing strange things. She abused her daughter and she physically assorted my wife, my Lord. (Very agitated).

Judge :

Mister Kasande, please, be calm !

Phineas :

I was afraid for the Chilhowie. And then, I decided that the best thing would be

for the children to come with me to the communal land.

Mr. Chikwanji :  And, did the children return with you to the communal land willingly  ?

Phineas :          Oh, yes ! Most definitly. They’ve always been very close to me ! Very close ! Mr. Chikwanji :   I’ve no further questions, your excellence.

( The judge calls the second lawyer, Mr. Machacha who is defending Neria to also put Phineas questions).

Mr. Machacha : Mr. Kasande, did your brother and his wife, Neria, have a registered marriage, could you describe their life style as traditional  ?

Phineas : Yes. They signed the register in the church.

Mr. Machahcha :  And after the marriage, could you describe their life style as traditional ?

Phineas :          Uuuh, they moved to town shortly after their marriage.

Mr. Machacha :  (Not waiting for him to finish) : I asked if you would describe their life style as traditional !

Phineas :          I wouldn’t say that they were two modern …

Mr. Machacha : Thank you, mister Kasande. You also stated that you took the responsibility of making all arrangements about your deceased brother’s family!

Phineas :          That’s right !

Mr. Machacha :  Does this include taking cash and the bank book from his wardrobe ?

Phineas : yes, but I could never with how any money from the bank !

Mr. Machacha :  Neither could Mrs. Kasande ! And while you were holding the bank book, did you every offer financial assistance to your sister-in-low ?

Phineas :          I was keeping it safe !

Mr. Machacha :  Answer my question, Mrs. Kasande  !

Phineas :  No, my lord. I did not.

Mr. Machacha : And while your sister-in law was in the village mourning the death of her husband, did you also make arrangement to have furniture and other belongings removed from her house  ?

Phineas :  Her house ! Everything belongs to my brother.

Mr. Machacha : And to his family, to his children, the very ones that you were so concerned about. Thank you Mister Kasande. No more questions, my lord !

Judge : The court will resume at two thirty P.N.

( The court has just resumed ).

Judge :  Yes Mister Machacha. (The lawyer Machacha stands up and goes to put Neria questions).

Mr. Machacha :  Mrs. Kasande could you, please, tell the court your reasons for leaving the village one month after your husband’s death  ?

Neria :  My lord, I felt that my children needed to get to school and also I was concerned that if I did not return, I would look my job. My children had already lives in the city and that is our home.

Mr. Machacha : Where you concerned that this could displease you’re in laws ?

Neria : Yes, my lord. I was very concerned. My husband’s family is very important to

  1. Before I left, I explained to my mother in haw why I was not staying in the village. I thing she understand.

Mr. Machacha :  Did Mrs. Kasande consult with you before taking your children to his home  ?

Neria : No, my lord. I came home from worth and found them gone. I knew he had taken them.

Mr. Machacha :  And what did you do them  ?

Neria : My lord, I went to the village. When I did there, my daughter, Mavis, was very ill. I asked Phineas to take us to the hospital in the car, my husband’s car, but he just made excuses. I had to carry her to the bust stop and take her by bus.

Mr. Machacha : And she was in fact in need of a hospital.

Neria : Oh, yes, my lord ! She had to have an operation right away. The doctor said we were very lucky she got there on time.

Mr. Machacha :  Now, Mrs. Kasande, the money that you learned in your marriage, how was it used  ?

Neria : We used it for food uniforms and school fees My husband and I kept our money together. We never thought of it as my money or his money.

Mr. Machacha :  And since your husband’s death, how have you been managing with the

family expenses  ?

Neria : It has been very difficult, my lord. I’ve had to start all over again. Not only

because I missed so much time from work but also because I was not able to get money from our savings.

Mr. Machacha : And, have you writhen any point to ask Mrs. Kasande to give you financial assistance  ?

Neria : Yes, my lord. I wrote to him and asked him to bring back my husband’s bank

book.

Mr. Machacha :  Did he complain ?

Neria : No, my lord. He never answered my letter. Mr. Machacha :  Thank you very much, Mrs. Kasande.

No, further questions, my lord.

Judge : Second examiner

( Lawyer Chikwanji stands up and goes toward Neria ).

Mr. Chikwanji : When your brother-in-low took your later husband’s car and bank look,

did you do any objections  ?

Neria : No, my lord

Mr. Chikwanji : Why not  ?

Neria : I thought he wanted to help me arrange everything. I didn’t think he would

keep them. I was confused.

Mr. Chikwanji :  I put it to you like a confused women ! You were ready ! In fact, you needed to accept your brother in law’s authority as the head of the family. And you accepted my friend as the proprietor of your late husband’s property

Neria : That is not true, my lord

Mr. Chikwanji :  And, when you came to the place you call empty house, did you make any objections and ask for the furniture  ?

Neria : No, my  Lord. I was afraid. I did not want to offend anyone in clouding those who have departured.

Mr. Chikwanji :  Do you think you are prestigious  ? Making it necessary for people to come to court might well offend those who have depart wed !

Neria : No, my lord. I know now that it is the only way to protect my children. Those same children that my husband’s brothers and sisters are protecting

Mr. Chikwanji :  Mrs. Kasande, my clit testified that you abused your daughter and you physically attacked his wife. Isn’t this true ? Is that not true ?

Neria : No, my lord. When Phineas and his wife were at my house, I came home to find my daughter with a new dress and straightened hair. I knew they were only doing this to turn my children against me. It disturbed me. In my anger, I wanted to cut my daughter’s hair, but I never actually did it. And I never physically abused her or Phineas’ wife.

Mr. Chikwanji :   What makes you so certain that they were trying to turn your children against you  ? Isn’t it possible that they were only trying to help out  ?

Neria : My Lord  ! (Crying). When you are a mother, you can feel these things. I knew from what Phineas had done in the past.

Mr. Chikwanji :  When you are a mother! You have no proof, Mrs. Kasande. You just felt it !

Neria :

That’s right, my lord !

Judge :

The witness could sit down.

Gentlemen. I’ve been carefully, very carefully listening to the arguments of the

painter and defense. It is my judgment as the guardianship of the heir Mavis Kasande will remain with her mother. We can make it clear that, all the decisions that she makes as guardian must be in the best interest of her children. The plaintiff, not only violated laws which were introduced to protect widows, but also, takes the recustomary law, on which he now seeks to relay.

Mr. Kasande, you are very lucky not to be judged or a criminal and this should be a warning to you and all those who are in your position. I can only hope that was a passage of time. The wounds may be healed !

Mr. Chikwanji and Mr. Machacha :  As your lordship pleases.

( The court is closed. The judge goes away. Everybody comes to congratulate Neria, even Ambuya. Phineas goes away angrily).

Neria : (To Ambuya) : I’m sorry Amoye, if it had come to this

Ambuya : Neria, I’ve been listening to all this very carefully. Our tradition says that the

family must be cared for. (At the village) All the family is gathered and makes a circle).

Village elder : We are all gathered here today for an important occasion in the family Neria Musugulu, this is time for you to choose one of the men in this family to be your husband and protect you.

( They give Neria a basin and hurting materials so that she can give them to the man she chooses. She walks with her knees with those things. When she arrives in front of Phineas, this one jumps, their king that it’s him that Neria will choose.

Neria continues with her things and goes to give them to Shingi, her son).

Village elder: We didn’t expect this to happen. It is a plot!

( Neria washes her son hands with the water the water which was in that basin their goes back to her place. Ambuya comes to sit hear her!

Village elder:  Neria Musugulu, have you shoes in order to be married?

Neria:  Sukuru, I have my own life to live !

( The two Patrick’s young brothers who were expecting to be chose stand up angrily saying : we are going to kill this one (pointing Shingi)

Ambuya: You have shown me that from this time we have to burn our traditions to the changing times. You are a strong woman. (All women are happy and they begin singing and dancing).

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