Family Concerned After 66-Year-Old Pensioner Marries Woman 19 Years Younger

BULAWAYO – The family of a 66-year-old pensioner has expressed concern over his recent marriage to a woman nearly two decades younger, claiming they fear he could be vulnerable to manipulation and the possible loss of family assets. However, the newlyweds have dismissed the allegations, insisting their relationship is based on love and mutual support. The controversy emerged after Njabulo Mhlanga (66) recently married Nqobizitha Ncube (47) in a civil ceremony held on Tuesday.

Relatives say Mhlanga returned to Zimbabwe after spending many years working in South Africa, where he met Ncube. According to family members, the relationship developed rapidly after his return, culminating in the wedding. While relatives insist they are not opposed to their father finding companionship later in life, they say they are worried about the circumstances surrounding the marriage.

"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."

The family alleges that Mhlanga inherited three five-roomed houses and believes the properties could be a factor in the relationship.

Relatives also claim that Mhlanga, who reportedly lives with diabetes, has not been consistently taking his medication in recent months. Family members said their concerns intensified after observing what they described as significant changes in his behaviour and lifestyle. According to relatives, they were informed last Friday that Mhlanga and Ncube were preparing to exchange vows at a magistrates' court.

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

The relatives claim they attempted to speak to Mhlanga during the proceedings but were unsuccessful in persuading him to reconsider. The family says they were left devastated after he proceeded with the marriage.

Mhlanga has strongly rejected the concerns raised by his relatives, insisting that he made the decision independently.

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

The pensioner said his family was interfering in a personal matter that should be left to him and his wife.

Ncube also dismissed suggestions that she married Mhlanga for financial gain or access to property. She said she has become the target of rumours and personal attacks since the marriage.

"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 met Mhlanga while he was unwell and supported him during a difficult period.

"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 properties, explaining that family members remain involved in managing some of the rental income.

"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," she said.

The dispute highlights tensions that can arise when elderly relatives enter new relationships, particularly where property, inheritance, and family expectations are involved. No legal challenge to the marriage has been announced, and there is no evidence before the courts suggesting any wrongdoing by either party. For now, the couple says they intend to continue their life together despite opposition from some members of Mhlanga's family.

66-year-old pensioner marries younger woman