A Zimbabwean mother who married her son after claiming to be in love decided to take their incestuous relationship to the next level. Betty Mbereko, 40, from Mwenezi in Masvingo, is six months pregnant and expecting her son Farai Mbereko’s child, who in turn is also her grandchild.
Betty, a widow for the past 12 years, has been living with her 23-year-old son Farai. She confirmed her pregnancy and explained that she has chosen to “marry” her son to avoid marrying her late husband’s younger brothers, who she says are coveting her.
Betty stunned a village court last week by revealing that her relationship with Farai began three years ago. She argued that after investing heavily in Farai’s education following her husband’s death, she feels entitled to his support and money.
Betty and Farai Mbereko on their wedding day“Look, I struggled alone to send my son to school and no one helped me. Now you see that my son is working and you accuse me of doing something wrong. Let me enjoy the product of my sweat,” Betty told the village court council.
Farai expressed his readiness to marry his mother and stated that he would pay off the lobola balance his father had left unpaid to his grandparents.
“I know my father died before he finished paying the bride price, and I am prepared to pay it off,” Farai said. “It is better to publicize what is happening because people should know that I am the one who made my mother pregnant. Otherwise, they will accuse her of promiscuity.”
However, local headman Nathan Muputirwa stated, “We cannot allow this to happen in our village; mashura chaiwo aya (this is a bad omen indeed). In the past, they would have to be killed, but today we cannot do it because we are afraid of the police.” He warned them to immediately break off their relationship or leave his village.
They chose the latter and have since left the village for an undisclosed destination.
Joshua Eden is a dedicated writer passionate about creating compelling, newsworthy stories.
