Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A Harare man has lost his bid to reduce monthly child maintenance payments after the court ruled that his circumstances had not significantly changed.
Shadreck Kunyeda approached the Harare Civil Court, seeking a downward variation of maintenance from US$50 to US$20 per month for the minor child he shares with his former partner, Daphne Chapfika.
He told the court that he was no longer reporting for work and could not afford the current amount.
“I am no longer going to work, so the US$50 is too much for me,” he said
However, Chapfika opposed the application, arguing that she has been solely responsible for the child’s upkeep since their separation in 2022.
She testified that she had faced serious financial hardship, at one point sending the child to stay with her sister-in-law while she sought accommodation with a friend due to a lack of rent money.
“US$20 is not enough to maintain a child; he should be serious,” she said
Kunyeda maintained his position, telling the court he would inform Chapfika once he resumed work.
He added that he was struggling financially and also had the responsibility of supporting two other children, but could manage to contribute at least US$20 per month.
In her ruling, presiding Magistrate Johanna Mukweshe dismissed the application, stating that Kunyeda had failed to demonstrate a material change in circumstances to justify the variation.
The court noted that a letter submitted by Kunyeda indicated he had not been dismissed from work but was expected to be reinstated. Magistrate Mukweshe ruled that the existing maintenance order remains valid.
Kunyeda was ordered to continue paying US$50 per month for the upkeep of the minor child.
Peter Tanyanyiwa