Mukuwasha Demands Refund After In-Laws Name His Child Without Consent

A man from Budiriro 1, Harare, is demanding the return of his bride price after his newborn son was named without his consent by his mother-in-law, triggering a deep family rift rooted in cultural tradition.

Wilfred Mutape (34), originally from Guruve under Chief Chipuriro, claims the naming of his firstborn son by his wife’s mother, Mai Constance Jaji Machaya, violates customary norms and has fractured relations between his family and his in-laws.

Mutape married Mitchel Machaya (26) on October 12 last year, paying US$1,700 in bride price. He explained that his wife gave birth on January 21 this year—earlier than expected and that the child was named “Tanyaradzwa” by the maternal grandmother without consulting him or his relatives.

“I was shocked to learn that my son had already been named without my knowledge. I hear even my father-in-law wanted to name him too. This made me question if the child is really mine, and I’m now considering DNA tests,” Mutape revealed.

The situation worsened when Mutape’s wife was taken back by her family after staying with him for only two weeks.

He alleged that his in-laws accused him of being poor and have barred him from seeing his son for the past seven months.

“My wife, her sister, and aunt came to visit our rural home and were given US$200.

“After that, they left and never returned. I haven’t seen my son since. I now want my bride price refunded,” he stated.

Mutape’s mother, Mai Tsitsi Marekera (71), expressed outrage over the naming issue, arguing that it contradicts cultural norms.

“A child should be named by the paternal family. I was chased away like a dog when I went to see my grandson. I don’t understand what kind of marriage this is,” she lamented.

His sister, Mai Agnes Mutape (44), who accompanied the bride price delegation, also criticized the in-laws for naming the child without informing the groom’s family.

“We paid US$60 for the traditional ceremony and brought the required cloths. But now, my brother is not even allowed to visit his child,” she pointed out.

The feud escalated to the courts when Mutape’s father-in-law, Watson Machaya, filed for a peace order, accusing him of verbally abusing his daughter. Mutape denied the allegations.

“They claim I insulted my wife, calling her a prostitute. I don’t even know what crime I committed,” he responded.

He further claimed that his father-in-law insisted the name given to the child could not be changed.

“Even if it turned red like blood, that name stays,” Mutape quoted him as saying.

Mitchel Machaya told Kwayedza that she was distressed by the conflict between her husband and her parents.

“My husband started fighting with my parents until my father decided to go to court. Most of what he’s saying is false,” she explained.

Mai Constance Machaya refuted all allegations, accusing Mutape of trying to tarnish their family’s reputation.

“He impregnated my daughter and we accepted him with the little money he had.

“He borrowed US$200 which he hasn’t repaid. When I asked him about the name ‘Tanyaradzwa,’ he said it didn’t matter and refused to suggest another,” she claimed.

She went on to allege that Mutape once came to their home drunk and insulted her daughter, nearly assaulting her other child.

“He told my husband that our daughter was a prostitute who frequented bars. My husband locked himself in his room after the confrontation,” she recalled.

According to Kwayedza, the matter ended up in court, where a peace order was granted barring Mutape from contacting his in-laws for a year.

When journalists visited the Machaya residence last week, the father-in-law reportedly shouted over the phone:

“I said I don’t want to see those people at my house. Tell them to get out now!”

Cultural expert and author VaAaron Chiunduramoyo weighed in, emphasizing that marriage should foster unity, not division.

“Kuroorerana hakufanirwe kuvaka ruvengo asi kusimbaradza rudo pakati pemhuri,” he noted.

This case highlights how cultural expectations around child naming can ignite deep family rifts—especially when communication breaks down between newly joined families.