Child bridegroom: Eight-year-old boy marries 61-year-old woman after
'dead ancestors told him to tie the knot'
An
eight-year-old schoolboy has married a 61-year-old woman because the ghost of
his dead ancestor told him to.
Sanele
Masilela tied the knot with Helen Shabangu, who is already married and a
mother-of-five.
The
boy, from Tshwane , South Africa , said he had been told
by his dead ancestors to wed and his family, fearing divine retribution, forked
out for a wedding.
They paid £500 for the bride and a further £1,000 for the big day, which
was organised in just two months.
Ceremony: The schoolboy kisses his 61-year-old bride, who is already married and a mother of five. He said he had been told to tie the knot by his ancestors
With this ring: The boy's family say the wedding was simply a ritual and not recognised in law
The big day: Mrs Shabangu is already married and has five children with Alfred, a builder
The couple pose in traditional costume. The £1,500 cost of the wedding included £500 for the bride
Given away: Sanele walks to his wedding with his mother as people look on. The ceremony shocked some people in the community