By Jane Nambi

61-year-old Helen Shabangu got married to an 8-year-old boy despite being already married and has five children.

Their wedding was attended by 100 guests and after exchanging vows, the couple kissed. Sanele Masilela, 8, and Shabangu had to get married because their ancestors ordered them to do so.

Masilela’s family contributed £1,500 on the wedding. However, they insisted it was only a ritual and was not legally binding. The couple did not sign any legal documents and are currently not living together.

Sanele said of his wedding, “I told my mother I wanted to get married as I really did want to. I’m happy that I married Helen. When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age.”

Sanele’s mother, 46-year-old Patience explained the wedding saying,  “Sanele’s grandfather asked him to get married before he died. He chose Helen because he loves her. By doing this we made the ancestors happy. If we hadn’t, something bad would have happened in the family. It is what the ancestors wanted.”