Online Reporter
Online Reporter
A local businessman has threatened legal action against his in-laws, claiming they “duped” him into marrying a woman he now alleges is a lesbian.
Philani Ndlovu said he wants the family of his estranged wife, Pamelo Makai, to either refund all money he spent on them, including lobola, or ensure that Makai returns to him with their child.
Ndlovu and Makai have one child together.
The two were traditionally married in January 2013 when he paid lobola. After the traditional marriage the couple stayed in Tsholotsho till 2016 before coming back to Bulawayo.
Ndlovu said Makai left their matrimonial home recently and went to her mother’s house in Nkulumane.
He alleges he then discovered information about her sexuality.
“I was married to this woman in good faith. The family knew her situation but they still went ahead and took my money,” Ndlovu said.
“I have been supportive of that family for years. I paid fees, bought groceries, fixed their house. This is how they pay me back, with this taboo?”
Ndlovu said he tried to engage Makai at her mother’s home but was told she had left the country.
“I went to Nkulumane to talk as a family. But I understand she has now run away to South Africa,” he said.
“I will not rest. I will use all my might to get back my wife and my child. I want her to come back home, or the family must return every cent I spent on them, including the bride price.”
Efforts to contact Makai for comment were unsuccessful.
A relative who answered a phone number provided for her mother declined to comment, saying it was a “private family matter.”
Police in Bulawayo said they had not received a formal complaint from either party by Friday.
Ndlovu insisted he would pursue the matter. “She is my wife and that is my child. I will follow every legal route available to me,” he said.
