In a dramatic turn of events, a Harare-based pastor from the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church, Eliot Madede, has been granted a protection order against his 28-year-old daughter, Merlisa. The reason? She allegedly became violent and uncontrollable due to drug use, damaging property, insulting him with vulgar language, and even bringing boyfriends home.

Merlisa’s defense was quite revealing. She accused her father of trying to control her adult life, forcing her to attend church when she’d rather go clubbing with friends. “He must treat me like an adult so that I will be able to respect him,” she said. One wonders if Pastor Madede’s own behavior might be contributing to the problem.

It’s ironic that a pastor would be granted a protection order against his own daughter, especially considering his supposed role as a spiritual leader. One would expect more compassion and understanding from someone in his position. Instead, Madede seemed more concerned with maintaining control than actually helping his daughter.

This case highlights the growing challenge of drug abuse among young adults in Zimbabwe and the emotional toll it takes on families. However, it also raises questions about parental responsibility, hypocrisy, and the complexities of family dynamics. Can we truly expect our leaders to lead by example when they can’t even manage their own households?

Magistrate Meenal Narotam ruled in favor of Pastor Madede, granting the protection order and ordering Merlisa to stop harassing or threatening her father. But one can’t help but wonder if this will truly solve the underlying issues or just mask them. Only time will tell.

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