Volonica Satimburwa v Susan Njokoya and Director of Pensions Office N.O

Key Issues

• {"issue_text":"Whether the customary marriage between the deceased and first respondent is valid","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Deceased contracted customary marriage in 2008 while still married to applicant"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the applicant or first respondent is entitled to the deceased's pension benefits","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Both parties claim entitlement as surviving spouse; pension held by second respondent"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether a civil partnership existed between the deceased and first respondent","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Deceased and first respondent lived together for 15 years, had sexual relationship and two children"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether rights of a civil partner survive death of one partner","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Civil partnership dissolved by death of deceased"}

Background