A man left his pregnant girlfriend in a lodge after his mother wouldn't welcome her as family. The situation came to light during a court hearing where her father wanted payment for his daughter.
Taurai Chidza asked Brandon Tawonga for cattle, goats, and cash as bride price. When Agnes moved into Tawonga's home, his mother rejected her completely. He rented a hotel room before abandoning her there.
Tawonga admitted he no longer wanted Agnes but agreed he owed something to her family. Agnes still had feelings for him despite everything that had happened between them. The court told her it lacked the power to force them back together.
The judge ruled against the bride price demand since the Tawonga family never formally approached Agnes' parents about marriage. Instead, Tawonga must pay damages for fathering her child. He needs to give three cattle and three goats to her family.
The court set a payment deadline of September next year. If Tawonga changes his mind about marriage, these damages would count toward the future bride price. He also must cover the legal costs of $45.
Taurai Chidza asked Brandon Tawonga for cattle, goats, and cash as bride price. When Agnes moved into Tawonga's home, his mother rejected her completely. He rented a hotel room before abandoning her there.
Tawonga admitted he no longer wanted Agnes but agreed he owed something to her family. Agnes still had feelings for him despite everything that had happened between them. The court told her it lacked the power to force them back together.
The judge ruled against the bride price demand since the Tawonga family never formally approached Agnes' parents about marriage. Instead, Tawonga must pay damages for fathering her child. He needs to give three cattle and three goats to her family.
The court set a payment deadline of September next year. If Tawonga changes his mind about marriage, these damages would count toward the future bride price. He also must cover the legal costs of $45.
