Sekai Manyere
Online Reporter
The Harare Civil Court has ordered a Harare man to pay US$60 per month in maintenance for his two-month-old child.
This was after Ms Patience Zvandasara had approached the court seeking US$285 per month from Mr Tawanda Mutsago, saying he was failing to provide for the child’s needs.
She presented a breakdown of the child’s monthly requirements, including food, nappies, medical expenses and clothing, which she said amounted to US$285.
“The child needs food, diapers, medical bills and clothes, and I need help from him,” she said.
Ms Zvandasara told the court that she works as an executive assistant, earning US$320 and ZiG2 800 per month.
Mr Mutsago offered to pay US$30 per month, telling the court that he is employed as a welder by the Ministry of Local Government and earns US$320 per month.
He said he also had three other children to support, as well as his parents, adding that Ms Zvandasara was aware of his other family responsibilities.
In considering the application, the court took into account Mr Mutsago’s responsibilities towards his other children and the fact that the child in question was still very young and not yet of school-going age.
After hearing submissions from both parties, presiding magistrate Ms Janemary Makonye granted the application and ordered Mr Mutsago to pay US$60 per month, with effect from October 31, 2026.
