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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
A TRADITIONAL court has ruled that following the death of her husband, a woman cannot remarry until his estate is distributed and a traditional rite (chenura) is performed.
This came out during a recent hearing at Chief Makoni’s court where Paradzai Lameck Mukuwapasi had dragged her daughter-in-law, Letwin Kananga and her live-in boyfriend, Evan Mbengo, accusing Mbengo of dating his son’s wife four years after his death.
Mukuwapasi said Kananga is still her daughter in-law, even though his son (her husband) passed on four years ago.
He argued that Kananga cannot be intimate with another man until the finalisation of her late husband’s estate as well as the holding of the traditional rite, chenura.
Mbengo and Kananga now have a child together.
“Kananga was married to my late son who passed away four years ago. My son had two wives and Kananga was the second wife. My son’s estate is being handled by the Master of High Court and is yet to be finalised. I am still to conduct chenura for my son.
“l recently visited my son’s plot in Nyazura where he was buried to monitor developments there and I was surprised to learn that Mbengo is now dating my daughter-in-law.
“They now have a child together, which goes against our tradition. I am really hurt by the disrespect exhibited by Mbengo and he should vacate my son’s plot as soon as yesterday. I want to be compensated with seven beasts,” charged a bitter Mukuwapasi.
Mbengo of Palmerstone in Mutare did not dispute impregnating the woman, saying he acted out of ignorance.
He pleaded for mercy, telling the court that he was the one taking care of the welfare of the deceased’s children.
“It is true that I am dating Kananga and we now have a child together. I was aware that her husband passed on, but not aware of the status of her previous marriage. I am pleading for mercy because I acted out of ignorance.
“I am assisting with the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased and I also fought tooth and nail to save the Kanaga’s plot from being repossessed. However, seven cattle are too much for me, I can pay three,” Mbengo told the court.
Kananga admitted not telling Mbengo her status and blamed the Mukuwapasi family for taking too long to conduct chenura for her late husband.
“I thought since the estate issue is now before the High Court, I could move on with my life. The family should hold chenura for my late husband as it has been long since he passed on,” she said.
In its ruling, the court found Mbengo guilty of violating traditional rites and ordered him to immediately vacate the plot.
He was fined four beasts.
“Ignorance is not a defence. You should have done a thorough background check on her before making commitments. This is a serious offence which causes disharmony in families.
“You only assisted the woman’s children as a way to get into her heart. You should pay Sekuru Mukuwapasi three cattle and one to the court. You have up to December 31 to pay,” ruled the court.
Online Reporter