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Councillor Benjamin Nleya

Sukulwenkosi Dube, Plumtree Correspondent
A BULILIMA District councillor has been ordered to pay two beasts, two goats and $1, 156 in damages for having an extra marital affair with his neighbour’s wife.

Benjamin Nleya, 55, a Dombodema area councillor, appeared before Chief Mpini’s community court facing adultery charges.

The chief ordered him to pay two beasts to Tshakalisa Khupe within 21 days as damages for having an extra marital affair with his wife, Sehlule Moyo, 20.  Nleya was also ordered to pay $556 for travel expenses that Khupe and his family incurred to get the matter resolved.

The councillor was ordered to pay $600 to Khupe as payment for the bed and wardrobe which he was using in violation of the sanctity of another man’s bedroom.He was also ordered to pay two goats for disrespecting the court when the matter was being heard before Chief Mpini’s court.

Nleya’s involvement with Moyo came out in the open after he clashed with Towelani Khupe, 24, who was also in love with the woman while they were at Khupe’s homestead. Chief Mpini said Towelani was due to appear before his court yesterday. He said he had completed the councillor’s case as he had finally admitted to the adultery after previously denying it on several occasions.

Chief Mpini’s secretary, Mavis Nleya, said the councillor would pay the money in instalments of $75 per month.

“The councillor was rude and disrespectful when he was before Chief Mpini and the elders which resulted in him being fined.

“Towelani will appear before Chief Mpini on February 17 (yesterday) as he didn’t turn up last Wednesday,” said Mavis.

Khupe, who lives in South Africa, said he was happy with the chief’s verdict and sentence. He said he had separated with his wife but would continue supporting his two children.

Nleya was found by a neighbour while hiding in a wardrobe at Khupe’s homestead at around midnight on December 31 last year. Moyo was having an affair with the two men who clashed at the house.

On the day in question, Towelani arrived to see his lover but Moyo refused to open as Nleya was inside. Towelani caused commotion as he threatened to break down the door which prompted neighbours to investigate and the adultery was exposed.