Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A LOBENGULA West family in Bulawayo is up in arms after their 66-year-old father shocked them by marrying a woman nearly 20 years younger, sparking 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 last Friday, but instead of wedding bells bringing joy, the marriage has triggered a bitter family storm.
Relatives say Mhlanga returned from South Africa after many years and later 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 the elderly man, 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 well-being,” alleged another relative.
The relatives said they began raising questions after noticing changes in Mhlanga’s behaviour and lifestyle.
Drama reached boiling point last Friday when family members received word that Mhlanga and Ncube were 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.
The family also questioned Mhlanga’s complaints that life had become expensive despite allegedly receiving rental income from two of the inherited houses.
However, 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 strongly denied being after the elderly man’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.
She insisted that her relationship with Mhlanga was built on genuine affection and care rather than financial interests.
According to Ncube, she stood by him during difficult times when many others were not around.
“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,” she said.
She further disputed claims that she was benefiting from Mhlanga’s properties.
“The two houses we share are managed together and some of the rent is collected by his aunts. The house we live in had City Council debts and it is not owned by me,” she explained.
Ncube added that the relationship was never hidden from the family.
“When our relationship started, he took me to his aunt to introduce me. He paid lobola and some relatives were aware of our plans. His brother was at the wedding and it was a beautiful day,” she said.
Whether it is a genuine love story or a battle over inheritance depends on who is telling the story.
For now, the newlyweds remain together, while a worried family watches from the sidelines, fearing that the final chapter of this drama is still to be written.
