adminFrom George Maponga in Masvingo
A 25year-old Bikita man — reportedly devastated that his would-be in-laws had refused to give him the woman of his dreams because he had come up short on the bride price — hanged himself on the eve of St Valentine’s Day.
It is understood that Samuel Chinhara of Chiduwe Village under Chief Ziki took his own life when his emissary to the woman’s family informed him that he was US$300 short of the requested bride price.
Samuel had reportedly sent his elder brother Ephraim with US$700 to the family in the neighbouring Zvirivanhu Village.
However, the family is said to have asked for US$1 000 and remained adamant that the money be paid in full for the man to get his bride.
Masvingo police spokesman Inspector Tineyi Matake yesterday said Samuel’s body was found hanging from a tree on Monday though it is believed the suicide was committed on Sunday.
“He used a homemade fibre rope to kill himself and his body was found hanging from a tree the following morning.
“After police attended the scene, they ruled out foul play and hence a postmortem has been waived, paving the way for his burial,” said Insp Matake.
It is believed that on Sunday at around 9am, Samuel delegated his brother Ephraim to go and pay lobola.
At around 7pm that same day, Ephraim returned with the bad news that the bride would not be released until another US$300 was paid.
Samuel is said to have complained bitterly before retiring to bed.
However, he sneaked out of his bedroom later on and walked in the direction towards his would-be in-laws’ village.
He then reportedly hanged himself.
Online Reporter