Four Cowdray Park Men Fined for Assaulting Brother-in-Law Over Lobola Delay
Four men from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo have been fined US$150 each after assaulting their brother-in-law for allegedly taking too long to pay lobola.
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Game of Snooker Turns Ugly
According to court records seen by B-Metro, the altercation occurred on 19 October near the Cowdray Park signpost, where the group had gathered to play snooker.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that during the game, the four in-laws — Silence Maboda (23), Motion Maboda (20), Gerald Mupatsi (23) and Pardon Manzvidza (20) — confronted Cosmas Utete (27) about delays in his bride price payments.
“What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical fight,” the court heard.
The men reportedly slapped, punched, and dragged Utete to the ground in full view of bystanders.
Court Issues Sentence
The four appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, who found them guilty of assault.
Each was ordered to pay a fine of US$150 by December 5, or face three months in prison if they fail to pay.
The magistrate reminded the group that family disputes, including lobola issues, should be resolved peacefully.
Victim Treated for Injuries
Utete sustained a swollen eye and bruises and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He later reported the matter to police, leading to the arrest of the four men.
Community Reactions
The incident has drawn mixed reactions in Cowdray Park, with some residents expressing concern over rising cases of domestic and family-related violence. Others jokingly said the matter serves as a reminder to “pay lobola on time to avoid trouble.”
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The post Four Men Fined for Assaulting Brother-in-Law Over Taking Too Long to Pay Lobola appeared first on iHarare News.
