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.
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.
“Why are you delaying to pay lobola for our sister?” one of them reportedly said.
The men reportedly slapped, punched, and dragged Utete to the ground in full view of bystanders.
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.
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.
Source: B-Metro
