Feud erupts over pensioner's marriage to younger woman

A family dispute has erupted after a 66-year-old man married a woman nearly two decades younger, prompting concerns from relatives who fear he could be vulnerable to manipulation and the possible loss of family property.

Njabulo Mhlanga recently married 47-year-old Nqobizitha Ncube in a civil ceremony, a union that has sparked tension within the family instead of celebration.

Relatives say they are not opposed to Mhlanga finding companionship later in life, but claim the circumstances surrounding the relationship have raised concerns about his wellbeing and financial security.

"We are not against our father finding love. Everyone deserves companionship. But we are worried about the circumstances surrounding this marriage," a family member said.

"We fear he is being manipulated and that the houses are the real target."

According to relatives, Mhlanga returned to Zimbabwe after working in South Africa for many years and later met Ncube. The relationship reportedly developed quickly, culminating in marriage plans that caught family members by surprise.

The family claims Mhlanga inherited three five-roomed houses and suspects the properties may be a factor in the relationship.

They also allege that the pensioner, who is diabetic, has not been consistently taking his medication in recent months.

"He is diabetic and we believe he has been discouraged from taking his medication. That is one of the reasons we became worried about his wellbeing," another relative claimed.

Family members said they became increasingly concerned after noticing changes in Mhlanga's behaviour and lifestyle.

The dispute reportedly reached a climax when relatives learned that the couple was preparing to formalise their relationship at court.

"We rushed to court because we could not believe it. When we got there, the marriage was already taking place," a family member said.

"We tried to speak to him, but his wife told him to choose between her and his children."

According to the family, Mhlanga chose to proceed with the marriage.

Relatives also expressed disappointment that few close family members reportedly attended the wedding celebrations.

"It was mostly friends who attended. That hurt us deeply because we felt excluded from a very important event in his life," another family member said.

However, Mhlanga has firmly rejected the allegations and accused his relatives of interfering in his personal affairs.

"They don't want me to marry her because of their own interests. Why should they decide who I should live with? I am old enough to make my own decisions. I can't divorce her," he said.

Ncube also dismissed suggestions that she was interested in Mhlanga's property and said she had been subjected to unfair accusations.

"People are lying and calling me a witch. They are insulting me and spreading false stories. That is wrong and it is hurtful," she said.

Ncube said she supported Mhlanga during a difficult period in his life and helped him access medical treatment when he was unwell.

"I met him when he was unwell. I helped him and even raised money for his medication. I took care of him when he needed support," she said.

She further denied having control over his assets, explaining that family members remain involved in managing some of the properties.

"The two houses we share are managed together and some of the rent is collected by his aunties. The house we live in had City Council debts and it is not owned by me," Ncube said.

The dispute highlights growing tensions that can arise when elderly relatives enter new relationships, particularly where questions of inheritance, property ownership and family expectations are involved. While the family remains concerned about Mhlanga's welfare, the newlyweds insist their marriage is based on mutual support and personal choice.