Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A HARARE Civil Court magistrate has increased a city man’s monthly child maintenance from US$40 to US$60 after finding that the needs of a growing child and rising living costs justified an upward variation.
Regedzai Mandivenga approached the court seeking an upward review to US$85 for the upkeep of her 12-year-old child, citing escalating expenses.
She told the court that the current amount was no longer adequate to cover basic needs such as food, rent, clothing and school requirements.
“$40 is no longer enough, my child needs food and to continue going to school,” she said
Mandivenga said she survived on selling stationery, earning about US$25 per month, and could not meet the child’s needs without increased support from the father.
Her former partner, Tendai Moyo, opposed the application, arguing that he could not afford to pay more than the current US$40.
He told the court that he works as a security guard and earns too little to sustain a higher contribution, adding that he also supports another family with two school-going children and a dependent wife.
“I am already struggling to pay the $40, so where will I get more? She knows that I have another family I cater for,” he said
Presiding magistrate Meenal Narotam said the court had to consider the best interests of the child, noting that expenses naturally increase as a child grows.
She said it was unreasonable for Moyo to continue paying the same amount after two years despite changes in the cost of living.
Moyo told the court that he did not have an updated financial statement to prove his earnings, explaining that his employer does not issue payslips. He said the only documentation available was one submitted in 2024.
However, Mandivenga challenged his claims, accusing him of being dishonest about his income. She told the court that they had lived together for 13 years and she believed he earned significantly more than he disclosed, alleging inconsistencies in the salary figures he had previously provided.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Magistrate Narotam ruled that an increase was warranted, stating the child’s needs and concerns over Moyo’s credibility regarding his income.
The court granted a revised maintenance order of US$60 per month.
