Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A MAKONI family has gone over two decades without receiving any payment as bride price for their daughter from their son-in-law, and efforts to make him honour his obligations have been in vain.
This was revealed by Joseph Kashiri during a court hearing at Chief Makoni’s community court recently, where he sought an order to compel Collins Mushongo to pay three beasts and three goats as bride price for his sister, Patience.
Kashiri told the court that Mushongo, who absconded the hearing, has been cohabiting with Patience, and they have seven children together.
Mushongo cited jurisdiction as his reason for not attending, arguing that he stays in Chief Tandi’s area, while Kashiri is originally from Marange, but resides in Vengere suburb in Rusape.
Kashiri also informed the court that Patience lost several teeth after being attacked by Mushongo’s brother’s son.
“My sister eloped with Mushongo several years ago. He failed to make formal introductions, despite our father being alive at the time, and making endless enquiries about our sister’s whereabouts. We discovered that she was staying with Mushongo, and subsequently had discussions with him regarding the need to pay the bride price. He promised to do so, but failed.”
Kashiri further revealed that they approached Mushongo’s village head, Muchina, but received no joy.
“We are not demanding a substantial amount from him — even a token payment will be acceptable. We simply want him to honour his obligations while our mother is still alive,” he said.
Patience defended her husband saying he does not possess any assets that can be attached by the court, and instead stated that one of their daughters will be married later this year.
“We are still together with my husband, and staying together. I have been staying with Mushongo for 21 years, and we were blessed with seven children — six girls and one boy. Three of the girls are already married, and one is expecting to be married this year. My husband has no material possessions of value. When I was assaulted, no police report was made,” she said.
Chief Makoni ruled that the Kashiris must be present during Mushongo’s daughters’ marriage ceremonies and claim their share.
“Your son-in-law is impoverished, with no assets to his name. The only way for the father-in-law to receive his dues is when Mushongo’s children get married.
You should be present, and the moment he is handed the bride price, you should immediately claim yours.
“In fact, the Mushongo daughters must appoint the Kashiris as the go-between when they are getting married. This will ensure that the Kashiris are fully aware of how much they are supposed to collect. The moment the money is placed in the plate — you should take it ALL. He cannot enjoy the bride price for his daughters while he did not pay anything for their mother. Patience, you must inform your relatives when your daughters are being married.
“The only way this court can assist the applicant is to declare a default judgment and order him to pay three beasts and three goats for the bride price. He is further fined three goats for defaulting the hearing,” ruled Chief Makoni.
Online Reporter