Zimbabwean Father Seeks Court Protection from Gambling-Addicted Son: A Family Torn Apart
In a heart-wrenching case from Harare, Zimbabwe, a man has taken legal action against his own son, seeking protection after years of emotional and financial abuse caused by gambling addiction.
This story has gripped public attention not just because of its emotional weight, but because it sheds light on a growing issue in African societies—the impact of gambling addiction on family life. For many families like the Abinals, gambling is more than just a bad habit; it’s a destructive force that can tear apart relationships, ruin health, and drive people to seek drastic solutions—even legal protection from loved ones.
A Cry for Help: Father Takes Son to Court Over Gambling Troubles
On a quiet day in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, a father walked into the courtroom not to settle a land dispute or fight over inheritance—but to protect himself and his wife from their own son.
Mr. Ethan Abinal stood before Magistrate Meenal Narotam and filed a protection order against his 40-year-old son, Trust Abinal, whose gambling addiction has become a dangerous and chaotic force in their home.
In his emotional court submission, Ethan detailed how Trust’s obsession with gambling has created a toxic and unsafe environment for everyone in the house. He described how Trust has repeatedly borrowed large sums of money from loan sharks—informal and often violent moneylenders—just to satisfy his craving for gambling.
Ethan explained, “My son has made life unbearable for the entire household in pursuit of money to feed his gambling habit.”
From Borrowing to Stealing: How Addiction Escalated
According to Mr. Abinal’s testimony, the situation worsened when Trust could no longer repay his debts. Instead of seeking help or taking responsibility, he resorted to stealing family possessions, turning their once peaceful home into a zone of fear and mistrust.
In one painful incident, Trust reportedly stole a sewing machine belonging to his sibling—a vital tool used for making a living—just to pay off his gambling debts. This was not a one-time occurrence; it became part of a disturbing pattern.
Ethan told the court, “He would borrow recklessly from loan sharks and, when unable to repay, he would take items from the house.”
Worse still, when confronted about his behavior, Trust didn’t apologize or express remorse. Instead, he became aggressive and verbally abusive. “He becomes threatening and abusive when confronted, creating an atmosphere of fear in the house,” Ethan added.
This toxic environment had a severe toll on the couple’s well-being. Both Ethan and his wife have been suffering from health complications that they directly link to the stress and fear caused by their son’s behavior. Eventually, they realized they could no longer live this way and decided to seek help from the courts.
A Surprising Reaction: Son Admits Fault, Offers to Leave
In an unexpected twist, Trust Abinal did not oppose his father’s court application. While many might have expected a heated denial or confrontation in court, Trust seemed resigned and even remorseful about the state of affairs.
He told Magistrate Narotam that he would comply with the court’s decision, acknowledging that his presence in the family home was causing distress.
“If my presence is causing distress to my family, I will respect the court's ruling,” Trust said.
This quiet acceptance may have reflected a moment of self-awareness—or perhaps just fatigue from a battle he has been losing for years. Regardless, his admission highlighted just how serious and deep the family conflict had become.
Court Delivers Firm Judgment: Protection Granted, Counseling Ordered
Magistrate Meenal Narotam gave a ruling that many found fair and necessary. She granted the protection order and made it clear that Trust was no longer welcome to live in his parents’ home under the current circumstances.
She prohibited Trust from harassing or stealing from his family, emphasizing that his behavior was not just harmful, but legally unacceptable. The court also took a rehabilitative approach. Instead of only punishing Trust, Magistrate Narotam ordered him to attend addiction counseling.
“At your age, you must take responsibility for your actions and begin living independently while working to overcome your addiction,” she firmly told Trust.
This ruling sent a powerful message—not just to the Abinal family, but to thousands of families across Zimbabwe and Africa dealing with similar issues: addiction is not a license for abuse.
The Growing Problem of Gambling Addiction in Africa
While this may be a story from Zimbabwe, its lessons apply to many other African countries, including Nigeria. Across the continent, the rise of online sports betting, lotteries, and casino-style gaming apps has led to a sharp increase in gambling addiction, especially among young men.
Unfortunately, this addiction often leads to the same cycle we see in the Abinal household: debt, theft, family conflict, and sometimes even violence.
Gambling is frequently glorified as a quick way out of poverty. Many young people are bombarded with betting ads promising overnight riches. But the reality is far more dangerous. According to health professionals, gambling addiction can be just as destructive as drug or alcohol abuse, leading to broken families, mental illness, and financial ruin.
Why This Story Matters for Nigeria and the Rest of Africa
This incident in Harare is not just about one father and son—it’s a cautionary tale for families all over Africa, including here in Nigeria. As more people gain access to mobile phones and internet data, online gambling platforms are growing rapidly, and the dangers are increasing with them.
Trust Abinal’s story should serve as a warning. Addiction doesn't just hurt the individual; it can destroy entire families. When someone begins stealing from loved ones or becomes verbally and physically abusive just to feed a habit, it's time for serious intervention.
Final Thoughts: Time for Awareness, Action, and Healing
The Zimbabwean court made the right call by not only granting protection to Ethan and his wife but also ordering counseling for their troubled son. This balance between protection and rehabilitation is crucial.
But the real healing must go beyond courtrooms. African societies need to have open conversations about gambling addiction. Parents, religious leaders, and policymakers must work together to raise awareness and provide support systems for those battling this silent epidemic.
If you're dealing with a family member struggling with addiction in Nigeria or anywhere else, remember: you are not alone, and help is available. From professional counseling to support groups, there are resources that can offer guidance and support.
Let this painful but powerful story from Zimbabwe inspire us to take gambling addiction seriously and protect our homes from its silent destruction.
