Four men from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo were each fined US$150 for assaulting their brother-in-law over a delayed lobola payment. The incident occurred on October 19 near the Cowdray Park signpost, where the group had gathered to play snooker.
According to court records, Silence Maboda, Motion Maboda, Gerald Mupatsi, and Pardon Manzvidza confronted Cosmas Utete, 27, about the outstanding bride price for their sister. They then slapped, punched, and dragged him to the ground in front of bystanders. Utete suffered a swollen eye and bruises and was treated at a local hospital before reporting the attack to the police.
Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube found the men guilty of assault and ordered them to pay the fines by December 5 or face a three-month jail term. The magistrate urged families to resolve lobola disputes peacefully. Social media users reacted with humor, though many agreed the situation could have been handled without violence.
According to court records, Silence Maboda, Motion Maboda, Gerald Mupatsi, and Pardon Manzvidza confronted Cosmas Utete, 27, about the outstanding bride price for their sister. They then slapped, punched, and dragged him to the ground in front of bystanders. Utete suffered a swollen eye and bruises and was treated at a local hospital before reporting the attack to the police.
Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube found the men guilty of assault and ordered them to pay the fines by December 5 or face a three-month jail term. The magistrate urged families to resolve lobola disputes peacefully. Social media users reacted with humor, though many agreed the situation could have been handled without violence.
