South African media reported that a 9-year-old boy in Zimbabwe was married to a 62-year-old woman.
The boy’s grandfather, although he has his own family, has not yet had an official wedding. He deeply regrets and wishes his grandson will fulfill this wish. When he started primary school, boy Sanele Masilela was chosen by his grandfather as a “wife”. The “bride” is a woman his grandfather once secretly loved and missed. She is married and has 5 children.
Because the wedding was the wish of the deceased, the boy’s family did not dare to disobey. They also have to prepare nearly 750 USD to give to the bride’s family and another 1,500 USD to hold the wedding ceremony lasting 2 months.
“I chose Mrs. Helen Shabangu because I love her, but I will still go to school and study hard. When I grow up, I will marry a girl my age,” – the boy said .
“Bride” Helen Shabangu said: “I am married and have 5 children, but I know that this is the wish of the deceased. It’s just a ritual.”
Dressed in formal groomsmen, Sanele and the “bride” worthy of her grandmother’s age performed all the ring-changing rituals, even “locking lips” in front of 100 guests.
