Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Sekai Manyere
THE Harare Civil Court has ordered a Harare man to pay US$60 per month in maintenance for his five-month-old child.
Ms Hither Chimonyo approached the court seeking US$290 per month from Mr Panashe Makonda for child support, arguing that he was failing to provide for the minor.
She presented a schedule of the child’s needs totalling US$290 every month.
“The child still needs nappies, food, medical bills, rent and clothes that I cannot provide alone,” she said.
Ms Chimonyo is self-employed and currently earns US$100 per month.
Mr Makonda offered to pay US$30 per month. He told the court he is employed by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, earning US$390 and 2 900 ZiG before deductions.
He also said he has another family to support, with one child that Ms Chimonyo was aware of.
“The money she is asking for is too much considering the responsibilities that I have,” Mr Makonda said.
“I pay for my parents’ medication as they are diabetic, and school fees for my uncle’s child who is in Form 2,” he said.
After hearing submissions from both parties, presiding magistrate Ms Makonye Janemary granted the maintenance application, ordering Mr Makonda to pay US$60 per month with effect from 31 August.
