Thousands of newlyweds in Zimbabwe have been surprised to learn that their marriage certificates are not valid.
It has emerged that, because of a clerical issue, certificates issued within the last 18 months are void - a discovery which could affect all those couples who got married within this period.
The matter came to light when the Zimbabwe Law Society issued an alert notice to lawyers across the country.
It noted that stationery being used for civil marriage certificates continues to cite a chapter from an old marriage act, which was repealed in 2022.
The new act, which came into effect in September 2022, brought sweeping changes, including greater rights to partners in traditional marriages. It also criminalised child marriage.
The law society has advised those affected to take their certificates to a registrar, who will correct and stamp the document.
The lawyers also warned if you have an invalid certificate you cannot get divorced.
Several newlyweds who spoke to the BBC were previously unaware that their certificates might be invalid.
The mix-up elicited mirth on various instant messaging platforms, with some joking it was an opportunity for those looking for a way out of their marriage.
The Civil Registry Department told the state-owned paper The Chronicle that while it can amend existing certificates, it cannot print fresh stationery bearing the correct law without the government first announcing the change via a gazette.
Latest Stories
-
Sulemana Braimah advocates gradual implementation of live courtroom coverage
20 mins -
Anti-LGBTQ+ bill: Allowing live coverage will reduce ‘pollution of proceedings’ – Dafeamakpor
24 mins -
GJA expresses concerns over live court coverage; fears abuse by some members
28 mins -
MFWA opposes uncontrolled access to live court proceedings for press
56 mins -
Ferry on Oti breaks down leaving drivers and passengers stranded
3 hours -
Fidelity Bank uplifts Abbeykope D/A Basic School with new classrooms and renovations
3 hours -
Nigeria invites bids for 12 new oil blocks, promises fair process
3 hours -
Achieving fair, violence-free elections is a collective responsibility- NCCE
3 hours -
I was too naïve to realize I was just a fling to him
3 hours -
My name is Kate and I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer
3 hours -
Lalue’s last dance, a majestic display of culture, brings curtain down on Prampram Kpledomi
4 hours -
Voter registration: GIS denies allegations of collusion with EC in NDC strongholds
4 hours -
Out-of-pocket health services payment needs immediate attention – Ghana Health Service
4 hours -
Empathise with accident victims – Chairman of the Council of Bureaux, ECOWAS Brown Card tells insurers
5 hours -
‘You can never be settled’ – Bellingham dreaming of more after Champions League comeback
6 hours