A Harare man was on Wednesday restrained by the Civil Court from beating up his mother whom he accused of hiding a will which allegedly appointed him an executor of his late father's estate.

Rhoda Machingura told the court that her son Fortune beats her up and shouts vulgar words at her.

"My husband died in 2009 and left behind the house in Lusaka, Highfield. When I visit my son I always find him and his wife drunk," she said.

"They don't allow any family members into the house. At one time I had to seek refuge in one of the spare bedrooms when he started being violent towards me.

"He beats me, shouts vulgar words at me and has no respect for me at all."

Fortune told the court that he did not understand why his mother had to conceal his father's will.

"My father left behind a will which was hidden until this year," he said.

"My mother is not happy that I was made the sole beneficiary in my father's will.

"She is being influenced by my sisters and they have since made a High Court application to contest the will."

Fortune started exchanging harsh words with his mother during proceedings and magistrate Mr Milton Serima had to restrain the two.

"You are not supposed to exchange words with your mother, it shows that you are a nuisance," said Mr Serima.

"Let the High Court decide on the estate, but you have to observe peace towards your mother. Do not prevent your mother or other family members from accessing the house."