Boyfriend dumps girlfriend at lodge

 

Weekender Reporter

A RUSAPE man was forced to book and dump his eloping and pregnant girlfriend in a lodge following his mother’s alleged refusal to accept her as a daughter in-law.

This emerged during a hearing at Chief Makoni’s community court where Taurai Chidza had dragged Brandon Tawonga, demanding a bride price for her daughter, Agnes.

Chidza wanted Tawonga to pay him three beasts, three goats and US$1 500.

Chidza told the court that when Agnes eloped to Tawonga, the latter’s mother could have none of it, and flatly refused to accept her.

Tawonga then booked a room at a lodge for Agnes, before dumping her.

“Tawonga has a child with my daughter, Agnes. The two are no longer staying together. When Tawonga impregnated Agnes, we took her to his house. Tawonga’s mother refused to accept Agnes at her house. Tawonga later booked a room at a lodge to accommodate Agnes. From there, they have not been staying together as husband and wife,” Chidza told the court.

Asked by the court if he still loves Agnes, Tawonga boldly stated that he was no longer interested in her.

The court, however, did not ask for reasons. He did not deny owing the bride price to his in-laws.

“No, I no longer love her. There were some issues that happened which made me reverse my decision to marry her. I will look for the bride price. I am asking for more time,” said Tawonga.

Agnes said she still loves Tawonga.

However, the court advised her that it had no powers to compel them to reconcile.

In its ruling, the court said the demand of bride price was misplaced as there was no proof that the Tawongas once approached the Chidzas with the intention to marry Agnes.

“The claim of the bride price is dismissed. Tawonga never had an agreement with the Chidzas to marry their daughter. He only had a child with your daughter.

“He owes you damages for sleeping and having a child with Agnes. He is therefore ordered to pay three beasts as damages and three goats for masungiro.

“In the event that he changes his mind and decides to marry, the payment done for damages will be considered as roora. This is where Chidza can now charge him other fees related to the bride price. Tawonga has up to September 30, 2025 to pay up. He is also ordered to pay US$45 as costs of the lawsuit incurred by his in-laws,” ruled the court.