Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A HARARE woman dragged her former partner and co-worker before the Harare Civil Court, demanding monthly maintenance for their 10-year-old child.
Emmaculator Mujere told the court that Enock Mushure had neglected his parental responsibilities and she was seeking US$120 per month and for him to reinstate the child on his medical aid.
She insisted the demands were reasonable given the rising cost of living and the child’s needs.
However, Mushure refused the claim, offering US$30, arguing that he could not afford Mujere’s demands because he is a soldier with five other children to support.
“I have five other children to support and I pay $120 rent monthly,” he said
He proposed that school fees be shared equally instead, maintaining that this would be a fair arrangement.
“This is our child, so we should help each other,” he said
The matter took a dramatic turn when Mujere revealed that Mushure’s five children were from different women, adding that one child, who was doing A-levels, was fully supported by her mother, who served in the Air Force.
Mujere said that the child’s needs are fully catered for, weakening Mushure’s claim of financial constraint.
She further challenged Mushure’s refusal to place the child on his medical aid, arguing that she had already taken responsibility by enrolling the child on her funeral policy.
“If I can do my part, then he must also do something,” she said
Mushure stood his ground, telling the court that his medical aid already covers his other children and that the child in question lives in a military camp where free medical treatment is available, making additional cover unnecessary.
After hearing submissions from both sides, presiding Magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed ordered Mushure to pay US$60 and 600 ZIG per month in maintenance.
In addition, both parents are to share school fees equally and shoulder medical expenses on a 50-50 basis.
