Zimbabwean Man Claims Four Marriages Failed In Six Years Despite Paying More Than US$31,000 In Lobola
A Zimbabwean man has shared his painful journey through four failed marriages in just six years, claiming each relationship ended shortly after he paid lobola despite following traditional marriage customs.
Blessing Togarepi said his latest marriage ended before he had even started living with his wife, prompting him to question why his attempts to build a family have repeatedly fallen apart.
His ordeal recently ended up before Chief Mutasa’s traditional court, which ordered the return of the US$3,500 lobola he had paid for his fourth marriage.
Also Read: Father-In-Law Ordered To Refund Lobola With Interest After Daughter Cheats With Husband’s Nephew
Latest Marriage Ended Before It Began
Speaking to H-Metro, Togarepi said he paid lobola for Aisha Lulu Chihota on June 6 in Mutare after she introduced herself as a student pastor at St James United Methodist Church in Dangamvura.
According to him, her family later said she had suddenly fallen ill and would join her husband once she recovered.
However, she never moved into his home.
After the dispute was taken to Chief Mutasa’s court, the traditional court directed Aisha’s relatives to refund the lobola money by August 31.
Togarepi said the experience left him emotionally devastated.
“All these things happening in my life are making me lose my peace because I no longer understand who cursed me because marriage for me is not working,” he said.
He admitted that the latest setback became so overwhelming that he even contemplated taking his own life.
Three Earlier Marriages Also Failed
Togarepi said his first marriage was to Anita Nyoni in 2020 after paying US$9,200 in lobola.
He claimed the marriage lasted less than a week.
His second marriage, to Natasha Chamisa in 2021, followed the payment of US$18,000 in lobola and a lavish wedding ceremony.
According to Togarepi, the marriage lasted only two weeks, although the couple have a son together whom he says he sees twice every two weeks.
He later married Providence Kufakwenyika after paying US$1,000 in lobola, but that marriage also ended after just five days.
He Says He Still Believes In Marriage
Reflecting on his experiences, Togarepi said growing up as an orphan inspired him to work hard and build a stable life.
“I grew up as an orphan and I was looked after by my relatives. That motivated me to work hard to be who I am today,” he said.
Now working as a mining consultant, he said he remains committed to marrying through traditional and religious channels despite his repeated disappointments.
“I believe in doing the right things and I believe in marrying through the right channels,” he said.
Despite the repeated heartbreak, Togarepi said he continues to search for answers as to why each of his marriages has ended in failure.
The post Zimbabwean Man Claims Four Marriages Failed In Six Years Despite Paying More Than US$31,000 In Lobola appeared first on iHarare News.
