The Matala Local Court has dissolved the customary marriage between Mahlompho Mosoeunyane and Molefi Mosoeunyane, ordering the couple to separate their responsibilities and assets while prioritising the welfare of their two children.
The matter was heard last week before Court President Mathuntsi Ntšala, with Advocate Monaheng Mpakanyane representing Mahlompho.
Mahlompho, 33, told the court that she was seeking a dissolution of her Sesotho customary marriage to Molefi. The couple married on April 27, 2014, and have two children, born in 2015 and 2021.
She said only their older child is currently attending school because the family cannot afford school fees for the younger child.
During her testimony, Mahlompho told the court that she bought a shack worth M10,000 for Molefi to live in while taking care of the family’s livestock. However, she said she no longer knew where the structure was.
According to Mahlompho, Molefi told her that the shack had been blown away by strong winds. She said she had bought it at a time when Molefi was not living properly at his home.
The couple’s assets also became a major issue in the case. Mahlompho told the court that they owned 20 sheep and five cattle.
She further said she had started a broiler chicken business with initial capital of M9,600, intending to use the profits to pay the children’s school fees. However, she alleged that Molefi failed to give her the proceeds after she entrusted him with the chickens.
Mahlompho also told the court that Molefi had purchased a residential stand at Ha Makhoathi for M50,000, where they subsequently built the house in which she and the children currently live.
Molefi, who represented himself, told the court that he did not oppose the divorce. However, he maintained that the couple’s assets should ultimately be used for the benefit of their children.
After considering the evidence and submissions, President Ntšala issued a ruling dividing responsibility for the family’s property.
The court ordered Molefi to take full responsibility for the couple’s 20 sheep and five cattle. He was also directed to continue providing financial support for their two children.
Mahlompho was granted the right to retain the family house, with the court specifically stating that it should be used to provide shelter and security for the children.
The ruling effectively separated ownership and responsibility while ensuring that the children’s welfare remained central to the court’s decision.
