Four men from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo have each been fined US$150 after attacking their brother-in-law for allegedly delaying payment of lobola (bride price).

 

 

 

According to court records obtained by B-Metro, the incident occurred on October 19 near the Cowdray Park signpost, where the group had gathered to play a game of snooker.

 

 

 

 

Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that during the game, the four men, Silence Maboda (23), Motion Maboda (20), Gerald Mupatsi (23), and Pardon Manzvidza (20), confronted Cosmas Utete (27) over the delay in paying the bride price for their sister. “Why are you delaying to pay lobola for our sister?” one of them reportedly asked before the situation turned violent.

 

 

 

The men then slapped, punched, and dragged Utete to the ground as shocked bystanders looked on. They were later arrested and brought before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, who found them guilty of assault and fined each US$150.

 

 

 

 

The magistrate warned that violent conduct, even in family disputes, would not be tolerated, stressing that grievances must be settled lawfully and peacefully.