Customary courts shun marriage wrecking

Yvonne Ditlhase
Correspondent | Friday August 20, 2010 00:00

He says most cases are withdrawn due to lack of evidence from the complainant. 'Most people come to us with hearsay which is not sound evidence to file a civil case,' he states.

He however adds that if there is enough evidence, one could be punished considering the extent of the offence.'O nthubela motse le o nthubetse motse ga di tshwane. Ke sone le katlholo ya tsone le yone e farologana (You are wrecking my marriage differs from you have wrecked my marriage hence the punishment is not the same),' elaborates the court president.

Gafhiwe further advises people to refrain from having relationships with married people, noting that there is really no point in dating a married person.

'If you find yourself having to face that decision in your life, I would advise against it. It is a very dangerous game,' he warns.

Phase IV Customary Court President, Masego Masongo, further advises couples that marriage is a serious and delicate matter where they unite for the best and for the worst for the rest of their lives.

He cautions that infidelity is one of the biggest enemies of marriage and therefore married people should refrain from having extramarital affairs.

He also encourages married people to involve their parents in their marriages. 'Trust their advices just as you did before getting married,' he concludes.

The court presidents were commenting following the confession of a 24 year woman about her affair with a married man.