Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
POPULAR Bulawayo medical practitioner, Dr Nkonzo Ndebele, walked out of court with a double dose of victory after scoring big in two legal showdowns against his ex-wife, including a maintenance battle and a whopping US$38,500 claim.
After serving the Bulawayo community for over 20 years, Dr Ndebele found himself in court applying for a downward variation in monthly maintenance payments, arguing that his finances had taken a serious knock.
In his application, the embattled doc told the court:
“My financial situation has drastically gone down. My surgery is on the verge of collapse. I can only afford US$200.”
The court had previously ordered him to pay US$500 per month, a figure he claimed was now unsustainable.
But his ex-wife, Grace Ndlovu, wasn’t having it. She fought back hard, arguing that Ndebele was ducking his parental responsibilities.
“Our daughter is terribly hurt that her father won’t pay. She needs food, school fees and that all costs money,” she protested.
She also reminded the court she had recently lost a US$38,500 arrears maintenance case against Ndebele — her first major courtroom defeat.
Dr Ndebele, represented by lawyer Vusilizwe Vuma, stuck to his guns, saying times were tough and US$500 was just too much.
Presiding magistrate Sharon Gava ruled in Ndebele’s favour, stating:
“Both parents must support the child, but the child’s needs must suit the payer’s ability. The application is granted. Maintenance is reduced from US$500 to US$250.”
With the US$38K claim already dead in the water, this marked Dr Ndebele’s second straight win.
He left court wearing a smile.
