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Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
MANY delight in taking rather than in giving. This was recently brought to life after a Nyanga man who had received compensation from his wife’s lover was asked to hand it over to his in-laws.
This was after the in-laws got wind of the fact that their son-in-law had received compensation and immediately demanded their daughter’s bride price.
Particular Ndlovu (19)’s parents told Howard Ponderai (21) that he had no right to receive three cattle as compensation as he had not paid their daughter’s bride price.
The Ndlovu family said the cattle should be passed on to them.
Ndlovu’s father, Stingilizwe Ndlovu, argued that Ponderai did not pay them anything when he took their teenage daughter as his wife.
The matter was recently heard at Acting Chief Saunyama’s court, with Ndlovu saying he does not recognise Ponderai as his son-in-law.
“He should pay my daughter’s bride price. He cannot just use and dump her after giving her a child. He should give us the three cattle he got as compensation for our daughter’s alleged adultery.
“The two were just cohabiting as friends and she had another friend, whom she is now being accused of cheating with. Ponderai does not have the right to claim any compensation from the said lover,” charged the elderly man.
In response, Ponderai said his relationship with Particular is over since he caught her bedding another man.
“I caught her red-handed and they confessed and asked for forgiveness. The matter was taken to the headman’s court where the lover was ordered to give me three cattle as compensation, which he did. I was planning to pay her bride price, not knowing that she was seeing another man while I was at work,” said Ponderai.
He said Particular hurt his feelings, adding that he loved her so much. In her response, Particular apologised and said she does not know how she ended up cheating.
“I am so sorry, but it seems like a cloud blinded me and I ended up cheating. I still love my husband and I would be happy if he takes me back.
“However, it looks like he no longer wants me back. I accept his decision, although it is painful. He should take care of his child and not punish him because of my sins,” she said.
Acting Chief Saunyama said he cannot force Ponderai to pay bride price for someone he has parted ways with.
He, however, ordered Ponderai to hand over the three cattle to Ndlovu as chiredzwa (compensation for raising a child) since his one-year-old son will grow up in the Ndlovu family following his parents’ divorce.
“When the child finally turns 18, no chiredzwa will be paid as it would already have been paid through these three cattle. However, paying these cattle does not mean that you will not provide for your child’s upkeep.
“You are obligated to pay maintenance for that child and my court advises Particular to make a maintenance application at the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court so that Ponderai will be bound by the court,” said Acting Chief Saunyama.
The chief also advised Particular to be faithful when she gets married, adding that if she ever cheats again, she will face the wrath of the community court.
Acting Chief Saunyama urged her to respect the institution of marriage and uphold the values of honesty and integrity.
Online Reporter