Marriage is one of the sites where this tension becomes particularly evident, not only in bridewealth transactions but also in an increasing prominence given to European-style ‘white weddings’. For Baptist Christians living in urban Zimbabwe, the tension raises a host of ethical considerations.
In a daring departure from tradition, a Zimbabwean man, Vashko Sande, defied societal norms by marrying both his wife and her mother on the same day. This unconventional union shocked the community and raised eyebrows as Sande ventured into uncharted territory.
The saga began with Sande’s illicit affair with his mother-in-law, which spanned nearly seven years, unbeknownst to his wife, Vimbai Magora. As their relationship deepened, Sande’s affection for his mother-in-law blossomed into love, leading to a tumultuous situation within the family.
This defied cultural and traditional norms in Zimbabwean society, where such relationships are considered taboo and incestuous in family terms.He reportedly became abusive and violent toward his first wife, who struggled to accept the situation.Community elders tried to intervene but couldn’t stop him.
Reports said Sande became wild and abusive after finding his “new love”. Even village elders failed to knock some sense into him. The first wife, Vimbai Magora, had to seek help from the courts and sought a peace order to protect herself from Sande’s hostility.
ln 2014, the Mwenezi woman was impregnated by her 23-year-old son, Farai Mbereko.
In her plea for a peace order, Magora expressed her despair, stating, “We entered into marriage in 2008, but since 2011, my husband has exhibited hostility towards me due to his newfound love for my mother.”
She stated that because he failed to listen their guidance and maintained his relationship with his mother-in-law, his marriage was unable to be rescued even by the family’s elders.
In response, Sande stated that he accepted the charges levelled against him and that he wished to spend the rest of his life with both ladies.
Judge Zvishavane Along with ordering Sande to never again physically or psychologically attack his first wife, Shepherd Mjanja granted Magora’s peace order.