Gibson Mhaka
A pastor with a Bulawayo church allegedly “legalised” a degree of incest by reportedly solemnising the marriage of one of his congregants and his cousin which was allegedly “frowned” upon by the two’s close relatives.
The union of Lewis Makoni (37) and his biological aunt’s daughter, Portia Sibanda (22), smacks of incest, as the two are closely related. The arrangement means Lewis’ aunt is also his mother-in-law.
According to a source from the church, senior members from the two lovebirds’ families allegedly snubbed the wedding which was held on 2 May at Selbourne Park Christian Church claiming it was a “curse and disgrace” to the family.
“Although the wedding was attended mostly by church members, senior members from the Makoni and Sibanda families were conspicuous by their absence. The arrangement caused serious disagreements within the Makoni family.
“Lewis is alleged to have defied his elder brothers, other aunts and uncles’ order to stop him from marrying Portia.
He bluntly told them that even though he knew that Portia was his cousin he was following his heart to marry her.
The church proceeded with the wedding with the blessing of the two lovebirds’ parents,” said a source that preferred anonymity.
A senior member of the Makoni family who spoke to B-Metro confirmed that the marriage took place but it was without their blessings.
“I can confirm that the marriage took place but we didn’t go there as we felt it was a disgrace to the family. Some church members confided with us that the two were joined at their church but some of us feel the arrangement was really a sham to the family,” said a member of the church who also requested anonymity.
When contacted for comment Portia who chose to keep tight-lipped handed over the phone to her husband, who said:
“What is it that you want to know from us? Go and inquire from those people who gave you the story. It is not our business to discuss such matters with you.”
Portia’s mother Christine Banda refused to speak to this reporter saying she was not at liberty to discuss family issues in the newspaper.
A pastor with a Bulawayo church allegedly “legalised” a degree of incest by reportedly solemnising the marriage of one of his congregants and his cousin which was allegedly “frowned” upon by the two’s close relatives.
The union of Lewis Makoni (37) and his biological aunt’s daughter, Portia Sibanda (22), smacks of incest, as the two are closely related. The arrangement means Lewis’ aunt is also his mother-in-law.
According to a source from the church, senior members from the two lovebirds’ families allegedly snubbed the wedding which was held on 2 May at Selbourne Park Christian Church claiming it was a “curse and disgrace” to the family.
 |
| A pastor with a Bulawayo church allegedly “legalised” a degree of incest by reportedly solemnising the marriage of one of his congregants and his cousin which was allegedly “frowned” upon by the two’s close relatives. |
“Lewis is alleged to have defied his elder brothers, other aunts and uncles’ order to stop him from marrying Portia.
He bluntly told them that even though he knew that Portia was his cousin he was following his heart to marry her.
The church proceeded with the wedding with the blessing of the two lovebirds’ parents,” said a source that preferred anonymity.
A senior member of the Makoni family who spoke to B-Metro confirmed that the marriage took place but it was without their blessings.
“I can confirm that the marriage took place but we didn’t go there as we felt it was a disgrace to the family. Some church members confided with us that the two were joined at their church but some of us feel the arrangement was really a sham to the family,” said a member of the church who also requested anonymity.
When contacted for comment Portia who chose to keep tight-lipped handed over the phone to her husband, who said:
“What is it that you want to know from us? Go and inquire from those people who gave you the story. It is not our business to discuss such matters with you.”
Portia’s mother Christine Banda refused to speak to this reporter saying she was not at liberty to discuss family issues in the newspaper.
