Father-in-law killed over lobola

A 42-YEAR-OLD Gokwe man will spend an effective 12 years in prison for killing his father-in-law who had threatened to take back his daughter over non-payment of lobola.

Stane Ncube of Simuchembo village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe South was angered when his father-in-law Tarawedzera Mbiti asked for a portion of the bride price and threatened to take his daughter from him.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese sitting at the Gweru circuit sentenced Ncube to 12 years in jail after convicting him of murder with constructive intent.

It was the State's case that on April 1 2004 and at around 6am, Ncube was at his homestead sleeping when Mbiti arrived.

Mbiti told Ncube that he had come to collect a portion of lobola for his daughter.

When Ncube indicated that he had nothing Mbiti told him that he was taking his daughter back home until the lobola was settled.

Ncube was incensed and picked up a log and struck Mbiti twice on the chest.

Mbiti crawled home and was taken to a local clinic in an ox-drawn cart, but died before reaching the health centre.