Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
AGE is just a number, but heartbreak hits at any age, even in Esigodini where a grey-bearded grandpa is accused of trading his wife for their maid.
Tears flowed in Bulawayo Civil Court as granny Betty Ndlovu (56) told Magistrate Challenge Mahembe that her husband, Abednico Ndlovu (63), had gone rogue after falling for their much-younger house helper earlier this year. The age of the helper was not revealed in court.
According to Betty, the drama started when they employed a maid to help around the house. Instead of sweeping floors, the helper allegedly swept Abednico right off his feet. The old man reportedly packed his bags and moved in with her at Cowdray Park, leaving poor Betty to pick up the emotional rubble.
“Your worship, I’m living in fear,” sobbed Betty. “Last week, my husband came home, insulted me in front of the grandchildren and beat me up. He even said he would burn me alive in my bedroom hut.”
The court heard that Abednico’s visits are now a nightmare, filled with punches, insults and death threats, all while his alleged new flame enjoys her happily-ever-after in Cowdray Park.
But when Abednico took the stand, he played the innocent old man card. “I don’t know what she’s talking about. I don’t stay with that woman. I live in Cement Siding,” he insisted.
He accused Betty of hiding his kraal head licence to “fix” him. “I can’t perform my kraal duties because she won’t give me my papers,” he said, leaving the gallery chuckling.
It appeared grandpa thought he’d found fresh love but ended up getting roasted in court instead. From kraal head to courtroom headline, the old man’s romance got all twisted up.
In the end, justice swung Betty’s way. Magistrate Mahembe granted her a five-year protection order, warning Abednico not to lay a hand, word or threat on his wife again.
