A HEARTWARMING family reunion turned into a nightmare for an elderly couple of Samfya District in Luapula Province visiting their beloved daughter as their angry son-in-law forcibly drove them out of his house.
The couple had traveled to visit their daughter, Mary Mwewa, married to Chilekwa Chiba, a 31-year-old businessman from Chitundwa Village.
The root of Chiba’s anger lay in the hefty bride price he had paid earlier this year – a staggering K40,000. Feeling exploited and resentful, Chiba’s frustration boiled over when his in-laws arrived unexpectedly on Monday, after an eight-month separation.
As the elderly couple reunited with their daughter, Chiba’s explosive rage shattered the joyful atmosphere.
Storming into the house around 22:30 hours, he confronted his in-laws, demanding to know why they had shown up unannounced.
“How could you come without an appointment,” he fumed, “especially after extorting K40,000 from me?”
As he dragged the couple out in the drizzling night, Chiba was screaming on top of his voice that the only reason he paid the K40,000 was the love he had for their daughter.
He also accused his in-laws of treating his house as if it belonged solely to their daughter, disregarding his role in the marriage.
It took the efforts of village headman Christopher Mwansa to bring some semblance of reconciliation to the family.
Headman Mwansa summoned Chiba and the his in-laws for a public hearing where he was admonished for his conduct.
He urged Chiba to apologize for his lack of respect toward his elders.
“Batata ba Chiba nabalufyanya pantu aba bantu ba kalamba saan umchinshi ulefwaika so ubwelelo afwile fye alomba,” Mwansa said.
He emphasized that customs and traditions require respect toward in-laws, regardless of any personal grievances.
The incident has sparked discussion in the community about bride price and family dynamics in marriage, as the headman urged Chiba to reconcile with his in-laws.
CAPTION: A village meeting called by headman to resolve Chiba’s situation
By Yunusu Ceasar
Kalemba November 13, 2024
