Payment of lobola has given rise to many societal issues. Some say that it shouldn’t be done as it equates to money laundering. Some say it definitely should be done to show appreciation to the wife’s parents.
While there seems to be an acceptable amount that doesn’t seem to take into consideration the man’s earning capabilities.To others the issue of lobola payment shouldn’t even be considered in modern day society as there is said to be less fidelity in relationships.
Non payment of lobola is said to help avoid issues such as the one that recently took place in Manicaland. A bitter Mutasa man, Knowledge Manhanga, reportedly burnt his mother’s hut and proceeded to torch his in-laws’ hut after he was dumped by his wife.
These drastic measures were taken after Manhanga is said to have gotten into a heated argument with his father in law over lobola refund. He threatened his in laws saying that if lobola was not funded he would burn down a hut in their homestead. True to his word, he did so. He had previously burnt down his own mother’s house saying that she had connived with his wife and told her to leave him.
He appeared before Mutare magistrate Rumbidzai Kabasa and he was convicted on his own plea of guilty.
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