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What began as a day of joy and anticipation ended in humiliation and heartbreak for a young Zimbabwean woman whose lobola ceremony turned into a public nightmare.
After months of saving, planning, and dreaming of becoming a wife, she woke up that morning filled with excitement. The venue was ready, the décor perfect, and her relatives had already gathered. Traditional food simmered on the fire, music filled the air, and neighbours peeked in to witness what promised to be a beautiful union.
Everything had been prepared using her own money — from the catering and furniture hire to the outfits for her family. Her fiancé had promised that his uncles would arrive with the lobola delegation by midday. It was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
But as the sun climbed higher and the hours passed, unease began to spread. The men who were supposed to come for negotiations hadn’t shown up. Calls to the groom’s phone went unanswered. His relatives were nowhere to be seen.
Still dressed in her elegant traditional attire, she waited — smiling politely each time a guest asked when “the in-laws” were expected. Her confidence slowly faded as whispers began to ripple through the crowd. By late afternoon, the truth became impossible to deny: he wasn’t coming.
Confusion turned to panic, and panic to heartbreak. Her uncles tried to save face, urging calm, but her friends could see the devastation on her face. Hours later, when everyone began to pack up, she finally broke down. The laughter and music that had filled the yard that morning gave way to silence and tears.
It wasn’t until the following day that the full story emerged — a revelation so shocking it left even the elders speechless. The man she loved, the one who had promised to make her his wife, was already married. Not once, but twice.
According to sources close to the family, the man had managed to keep both previous marriages hidden by living in different towns. Each wife believed she was his only partner. When news of the lobola preparations spread, one of the women reportedly confronted him, threatening to expose everything. It was then that he vanished — leaving his new bride-to-be humiliated in front of her family and community.
The story quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage and sympathy. Photos of the heartbroken woman in her traditional dress went viral, shared with captions like “She planned her own lobola” and “The Zimbabwean Mseleku strikes again.”
In comments and posts, many expressed disbelief at the man’s deceit. Others shared similar stories, warning against trusting partners too blindly. Some even questioned how the family of the groom had agreed to such a plan without disclosing his past marriages.
“She paid for everything, even the catering, thinking her dream was coming true,” one user wrote. “This is beyond betrayal — it’s cruelty.”
Family members say the woman has been struggling to recover from the emotional blow. Friends describe her as a hardworking and independent woman who had supported her boyfriend financially during their relationship. She reportedly paid for their rent and household needs, believing they were building a future together.
Now, she is left to pick up the pieces — emotionally, financially, and socially. The embarrassment of a failed lobola in a close-knit community is difficult to bear, especially when it happens so publicly. “People keep coming to the house to ask what happened,” a relative said. “It’s painful to keep explaining.”
Those who know the man describe him as charming but secretive, often claiming to travel for work. Neighbours from his other households have since come forward, confirming he was married with children.
The incident has reignited conversations about honesty and accountability in relationships, particularly around lobola — a sacred tradition that binds two families together. Many cultural commentators have called it a disgrace to misuse such a respected practice for deceit.
“Lobola is not just about money or ceremony,” said a Harare-based cultural expert. “It is about integrity, respect, and the uniting of families. What this man did is a betrayal not only of one woman but of the values our traditions stand for.”
Meanwhile, women’s rights advocates have urged others to take this as a cautionary tale — a reminder to verify, not just trust, before committing to marriage. “Love can blind people,” said one activist. “But commitment must be built on transparency. Too many women end up victims of lies that destroy their lives.”
Despite her pain, those close to the woman say she has received overwhelming support from strangers online, many encouraging her to rebuild her life and not lose faith in love. “She is strong,” one of her friends shared. “She just needs time. But she says what hurts most is not losing him — it’s losing the dream she built in her mind.”
The whereabouts of the man remain unknown. Some claim he fled to South Africa after being confronted by his other wives. Police have not confirmed whether any charges have been filed, as the case is largely viewed as a personal and cultural dispute rather than a criminal one.
For the young woman, what was supposed to be her day of joy has instead become a life lesson shared across the region — a story that continues to stir heartbreak and anger online.
As the viral story fades from headlines, the pain behind it remains raw. The decorations have been taken down, the food cleared away, and the laughter that once filled her yard replaced by silence. Yet, amid the tears and betrayal, one thing stands firm — her resolve to move forward.
Because while love may deceive, resilience doesn’t.
