Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A FAMILY is up in arms after their 66-year-old father shocked them by marrying a woman nearly twenty years younger.
It has sparked fears that love may not be the only thing on the table.
The family of Njabulo Mhlanga claims the pensioner is being manipulated and could lose both his health, and valuable family property, following his recent marriage to 47-year-old Nqobizitha Ncube.
The couple officially tied the knot in a civil ceremony on Tuesday.
But instead of wedding bells bringing joy, the marriage has triggered a bitter family storm.
Relatives say Mhlanga returned from South Africa after working there for many years and met Ncube.
Not long afterwards, romance blossomed and wedding plans followed.
Now, the family fears the relationship is moving too fast and could end badly for the elderly man.
“We are not against our father finding love. Everyone deserves companionship. But we are worried about the circumstances surrounding this marriage.
“We fear he is being manipulated and that the houses are the real target,” said a concerned relative.
According to family members, Mhlanga inherited three five-roomed houses and they suspect the properties could be at the centre of the relationship.
The family also claims Mhlanga, who is diabetic, has not been taking his medication consistently in recent months.
“He is diabetic and we believe he has been discouraged from taking his medication. That is one of the reasons we became worried about his wellbeing,” claimed another relative.
The relatives said they began raising questions after noticing changes in Mhlanga’s behaviour and lifestyle.
The drama reached boiling point last Friday when family members received word that Mhlanga and his sweetheart was about to exchange vows at court.
“We rushed to court because we could not believe it. When we got there, the marriage was already taking place.
“We tried to speak to him, but his wife told him to choose between her and his children,” claimed a family member.
According to the relatives, Mhlanga chose his bride and proceeded with the ceremony.
The family says they were devastated by the outcome.
Adding to their heartbreak was the fact that no close relatives from either side reportedly attended the wedding celebrations.
“It was mostly friends who attended. That hurt us deeply because we felt excluded from a very important event in his life,” said another relative.
Mhlanga dismissed the allegations and accused his relatives of interfering in his personal affairs.
“They don’t want me to marry her because of their own interests. Why should they decide who I should live with? I am old enough to make my own decisions. I can’t divorce her,” he told B-Metro.
Ncube also denied being after her lover’s properties.
“People are lying and calling me a witch. They are insulting me and spreading false stories. That is wrong and it is hurtful,” she said.
“I met him when he was unwell. I helped him and even raised money for his medication. I took care of him when he needed support.
“The two houses we share are managed together and some of the rent is collected by his aunties. The house we live in had City Council debts and it is not owned by me.”
