Man demands lobola refund after bride 'impregnated by another man'

Orient Jani, a Zimbabwean man based in South Africa, last year took his father-in-law, Noel Mucheche, to court demanding his US$2 580 bride price back.

This was after his wife to be, Nataly Mucheche, was allegedly snatched and impregnated by another man identified as Obert Karombo, resulting in her getting pregnant before their wedding, The Harald reported.

Jani told the court that he had paid $765 for various items charged as part of the lobola.

And upon approaching the Mucheches for their go-ahead for a white wedding, they demanded some money upfront.

At the end of May, Jani sent them $1 540 after which he was given the nod to prepare for the wedding.

The court heard that Mucheche accepted the bride price despite the fact that his daughter was involved in an affair with another man.

Jani also said that he incurred transport costs of up to $829 travelling from South Africa to pay the bride price.

He went on to demand reimbursement of the $3 409 for lobola and transport costs from Mucheche who refused to refund him.

Mucheche suggested that Jani should be compensated by the alleged boyfriend, Karombo.

After debating the issue, presiding magistrate Ms Marehwanazvo Gofa ruled that Mucheche refund Jani.

"Evidence is very clear that the plaintiff (Jani) was to be handed his wife on the wedding day. Even though the defendant (Mucheche) tried by all means to dispute the assertion and the two never stayed together as husband and wife.

"The law has shown that a son-in-law can claim back the lobola he paid from his in-law where the alleged wife is (found to be) wrong. Accordingly, plaintiff's claim is allowed in the sum of $2 580 plus costs," said Ms Gofa.