Boy, 8, ‘marries’ 61-year-old woman because his ancestors told him to

The older woman has five children and is already married but she is not in danger of breaking any polygamy laws because her latest union is just a ritual.

‘I’m married and have five kids of my own, but I know that this is what the ancestors wanted – and now they are happy,’ said Mrs Shabangu.

‘It is a ritual. We are just playing now, but it is a sign that he will get married one day.’

 The pretend wedding, which cost a total of £1,500, has shocked locals but Sanele’s family from Tshwane, South Africa, have defended the controversial nuptials.

His 46-year-old mum, Patience, added: ‘This is the first time this has happened in the family.

‘Sanele is named after his grandfather, who was never had a white wedding before he died so asked Sanele to get married. He chose Helen because he loves her.

‘By doing this we made the ancestors happy. If we hadn’t done what my son had asked then something bad would have happened in the family.’

Although the eight-year-old was happy to have pleased his forefathers with the false union he did admit when he gets married for real he hopes to find someone his own age.

Sanele added: ‘I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to.

‘I’m happy that I married Helen – but I will go to school and study hard.

‘When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age.’