Rival sisters face off in court over abuse
By Charles Musonda
A LUSAKA woman has told the Matero Local Court that she was driven to seek anti-depression treatment after her older sister accused her of faking total blindness.
Neil Kamwi, 52, told presiding magistrate Harriet Mulenga that she lost her sight about five years ago following a glaucoma diagnosis that destroyed her optic nerves.
She said this in a case in which she has sued her biological sister, Bernadette Kamwi, 64, for alleged mental torture and mockery over her condition.
“She is my sister, but she has been telling people in my presence that I lie that I am blind. I have been mentally tortured, and I have developed stress. The environment at home is not good,” she said.
Neil pleaded that her older sister was free to take her to any hospital of her wish to confirm that she was totally blind rather than tormenting her with abuse.
“I went to local eye specialists who told me that my nerves are gone. I went to South Africa, where I was given the same report. She is free to take me to any government hospital so that she can prove for herself that I am blind,” Neil said.
In her defence, Bernadette said Neil was the last born in the family, but that she did not have respect as she could insult her with impunity.
She said Neil accused her of bewitching her and attempting to poison her food.
Bernadette said she was the one who cooks for everyone, including their 87-year-old mother.
She refuted claims that she was the one who started the story, saying Neil herself told her that she was able to see partially.
Justice Mulenga advised the duo to resolve their difference and pay attention to their sick mother.
She told Neil to find a place in her heart to forgive her sister.
Justice Mulenga ordered that Neil be taken to the hospital so that her sister can know if she is partially or totally blind.
She said before coming back to court on May 8, 2026, the two should sit down as members of one family, warning Bernadette to stop mocking Neil.
