Online Reporter
Court Reporter
MAGISTRATE Hannah Fazilamed has ordered Norest Karimatsenga to pay US$30 monthly in maintenance for his seven-month-old child, pending the results of a DNA test.
The case was brought by Ms Ruvarashe Yobe, who, as a vendor, sought US$100 per month for the child’s upkeep.
She argued that her earnings were insufficient to cover the child’s needs alone, emphasising her struggle to manage the burden without support.
However, Karimatsenga painted a different picture. Claiming unemployment and dependence on his parents in a rural area, he offered only US$5 per month for maintenance.
He also expressed uncertainty about the child’s paternity, formally requesting a DNA test to confirm if he is the child’s father.
“I am not sure if the child is mine,” he said.
Ms Yobe contested Karimatsenga’s claims of unemployment, insisting “he goes to work”, and pleaded with the court for a fair amount.
“At least he should give me US$30,” she said.
The hearing then evolved into a negotiation, with Ms Yobe initially rejecting the US$5 offer.
Karimatsenga later raised his proposal to US$10, but this was still deemed inadequate by Ms Yobe and the court.
Magistrate Fazilamed ordered that Karimatsenga pay US$30 per month.
