Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
FOUR men from the same family in Bulawayo have each been fined US$150 for assaulting their son-in-law over an alleged delay in paying lobola. The incident involved Silence Maboda (23), Motion Maboda (20), Gerald Mupatsi (23) and Pardon Manzvidza (20) all residents of Cowdray Park suburb.
They were convicted of assault by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube and have been ordered to pay the fine by 5 December. Failure to do so will result in each of them serving a three-month prison sentence.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu said that the complainant, Cosmas Utete (27), is related to the accused through marriage. On October 19, while playing snooker at a location known as Signpost in Cowdray Park, a dispute arose between Utete and the four men. The argument centred on Utete’s alleged delay in paying lobola for their female relative. The situation escalated, leading to the accused physically attacking Utete.
As a result of the assault, Utete sustained an eye injury and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. A police report was subsequently filed, which led to the arrest and prosecution of the four men.
