Harare Widow Accused of Forging Husband’s Will in US$120,000 Property Dispute

October 17, 2025 4 min read

A family inheritance battle in Harare has escalated into a high-profile fraud case, pitting a daughter against her mother in a dispute over a valuable piece of land. Auxillia Muguto, aged 72, stands accused of allegedly forging her late husband’s will to sell a 6,000-square-meter property worth US$120,000, leaving her children potentially disinherited. The case, which highlights the vulnerabilities in estate planning and the emotional toll of family rifts, unfolded in the Harare Magistrates Court this week.

*Entrance to the Harare Magistrates Court, where the widow forged will case is being heard.*
*Source: Human Rights Watch*

Court documents reveal that the late Kirisimusi Timothy Muguto passed away on February 7, 2017. Before his death, in 2013, he reportedly subdivided the property at Lot 2 of 11 and 12 Powell Road in Parktown, Waterfalls, Harare, allocating equal shares to his three children: Tafadzwa, Stanlous, and Kudzanai. Tafadzwa Muguto, the complainant and a resident of the same area, had even built a six-roomed cottage on her portion, signaling her investment in the family legacy.

The original will, read at the Master of the High Court’s office after Kirisimusi’s death, appeared to align with these intentions. It distributed his estate as follows: a house in Seke, Chitungwiza, to his brother Finos Muguto; the Parktown property equally among his three children; and a house at 55 Colwet Road in Chivhu to his sister Phillipa Muguto. This document set the stage for what should have been a straightforward inheritance process.

However, tensions erupted on August 24, 2024, when Tafadzwa received an eviction notice from Realtor Ville Real Estate. The company claimed full ownership of the entire 6,000-square-meter plot, asserting that Auxillia had sold it to them. Shocked by the development, Tafadzwa sought a copy of her father’s will from the Master’s Office, only to find that a different version had been filed — one allegedly bearing a forged signature.

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Forensic Evidence in the Widow Forged Will Zimbabwe Case

Prosecutors, led by Heather Muokoto, presented evidence that a forensic handwriting analysis confirmed inconsistencies in the signature on the disputed will. The analysis reportedly showed that it did not match Kirisimusi’s authentic handwriting, pointing to forgery. This allegedly allowed Auxillia to misrepresent the document as genuine, enabling her to execute the sale and bypass the original distribution plan.

As a result, Tafadzwa claims she suffered financial prejudice amounting to US$120,000, the estimated value of the property, with no recovery in sight. The prosecution argues that Auxillia’s actions directly contravened the arrangements outlined by her late husband, turning a private family matter into a criminal offense.

Auxillia appeared before Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo on fraud charges. The case has been postponed to November 4 for the start of the trial, giving both sides time to prepare. Auxillia has denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence in the matter.

Family Dynamics and the Emotional Strain

This case underscores the deep fractures that can emerge in families over inheritance issues, especially in Zimbabwe where property disputes often make headlines. Tafadzwa, as the biological daughter of both Auxillia and Kirisimusi, finds herself at the center of a painful confrontation. The allegations not only question the validity of the will but also raise concerns about trust within the family unit.

Legal experts note that forgery in estate matters is a serious offense, often leading to lengthy court battles and irreversible damage to relationships. In this instance, the involvement of a real estate company adds another layer, as the buyer may now face complications regarding the title deed’s legitimacy.

Broader Implications for Estate Planning in Zimbabwe

The widow forged will Zimbabwe saga serves as a cautionary tale for families across the region. With rising property values in areas like Waterfalls, ensuring clear and verifiable estate documents is crucial to prevent such conflicts. Organizations like the Zimbabwe Law Society offer guidance on estate planning and dispute resolution. Additionally, our previous coverage on [LINK] inheritance laws in Southern Africa provides insights into protecting family assets.

External reports from The Herald and DailyNews offer further details on the proceedings.

As the trial approaches, all eyes will be on the Harare court to see how this family drama unfolds. Will justice prevail, or will the family bond be forever strained?

About R Musiwa

Rumbidzai Musiwa is a journalist and media communications professional based in Harare, Zimbabwe, currently writing for Izwi24 News. With a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Media Studies from the University of Zimbabwe, Rumbidzai brings hands-on experience in news reporting, content creation, and digital storytelling. As a skilled journalist, Rumbidzai specializes in conducting in-depth interviews, writing compelling articles, and producing multimedia content including video and photo editing. Her work focuses on amplifying important stories across Zimbabwe, covering social issues, community outreach programs, and cultural events. Previously, Rumbidzai served as Media & Communications Officer at ICAPA Trust, where she wrote press releases, compiled newsletters, and moderated discussions on gender-based violence and women's rights. Her final year university project, a radio documentary titled "A Day in the Life of a Street Child," showcased her commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities. Connect with Rumbidzai Musiwa for journalism inquiries, media collaborations, or story pitches. Email : Rumbidzai@izwi24.com

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