Four Relatives Fined US$150 Each For Assaulting Son-in-Law Over Unpaid Bride Price

Four family members in Bulawayo have each been fined US$150 by a local magistrate for assaulting their son-in-law over an alleged delay in paying lobola.

The accused, Silence Maboda (23), Motion Maboda (20), Gerald Mupatsi (23), and Pardon Manzvidza (20), are all residents of the Cowdray Park suburb.

They were convicted of assault by Western Commonage Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, who ordered that the fines be paid by 5 December. Failure to settle the fines will result in each serving a three-month prison sentence.

During proceedings, prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that the complainant, Cosmas Utete (27), is related to the accused through marriage.

The incident occurred on 19 October while Utete was playing snooker at Signpost in Cowdray Park. A dispute arose over Utete’s alleged delay in paying lobola for their female relative.

The argument escalated, and the four men physically attacked Utete, causing an eye injury that required treatment at a local hospital.

A police report was filed following the assault, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the four men.

More: Chronicle

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