Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A 33-YEAR-OLD woman from Dangamvura, Shalom Matebvu, walked out of the Mutare Civil Court visibly dejected after her application to have child maintenance increased from US$80 to US$180 was dismissed.
The case, presided over by Ms Thandiwe Sibanda, saw Matebvu’s plea for an upward variation in maintenance payments for her eight-year-old son with Jonathan Chiwore, being thrown out.
Matebvu argued that the US$80 she was receiving monthly was no longer sufficient to meet the child’ growing needs.
She said the amount barely covered food and other necessities, excluding school expenses.
“Your worship, I have come here so that the maintenance can be varied upwards because the money I have been receiving is no longer enough for the upkeep of our child. At least if he adds US$100 to the amount I was already getting, it will be better because he is a successful businessman,” said Matebvu.
She said Chiwore runs a profitable transport business, and was not doing enough to reach his full potential in supporting the child.
Matebvu also explained that she wanted the additional funds to secure safer transportation for her son, with the view to use an Uber taxi, instead of local kombis for school runs.
I believe an Uber is a safer option, as kombis are often overcrowded and increasingly involved in accidents,” she said.
However, Chiwore strongly opposed the application, denying Matebvu’s claims, insisting that the child was already receiving sufficient support.
He highlighted that the boy was enrolled in a private school, which he personally financed, in addition to paying US$80 in monthly maintenance.
Chiwore further accused Matebvu of misusing funds for personal interests, rather than prioritising the child’s needs.
He said Matebvu had a habit of spending money on sports betting.
“I know Shalom very well, Your worship. Do not be deceived by appearances. We once stayed together. She is addicted to betting to the extent of risking other funds set aside for other purposes just to play Aviator,” said Chiwore.
He also alleged that during their time together, Matebvu once fabricated a story about her mother being ill to extract money from him, only to discover later that it was a scheme to fund her gambling habits.
Ms Sibanda conducted a thorough inquiry into the matter, and discovered that Matebvu was unemployed.
When asked about her own contributions towards the child’s welfare, she failed to provide satisfactory answers.
The court also learnt that, in addition to the maintenance money, Chiwore was voluntarily paying school fees, buying clothes, and providing food for the child.
In her ruling, Sibanda dismissed Matebvu’s application, noting that Chiwore’s financial contributions already exceeded the ordered amount.
She advised Matebvu to desist from betting activities and instead find employment to sustain herself.
“Maintenance is meant to benefit the child, not to be used as a platform for sourcing money.
You must find yourself a job to cater for your personal needs and avoid engaging in betting,” said Sibanda.
The ruling meant that the existing maintenance order of US$80 remained unchanged, with the court placing responsibility on both parents to contribute fairly towards their child’s upbringing.
