Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man was ordered to pay US$100 monthly in child maintenance, despite claiming unemployment, in a ruling handed down by magistrate, Ms Thandiwe Sibanda.
The court decision followed a case initiated by Leona Dakwa, who accused her estranged husband, Thomas Moyo, of Greenside, Mutare, of neglecting his financial responsibilities towards their two minor children.
A visibly emotional Dakwa told the court: “I have been shouldering all responsibilities alone. Our children, aged seven and five, have received no support from him since he left. He has not even bought them a pair of socks. I am not seeking miracles, just basic support,” said Dakwa, further explaining that she struggles to make ends meet, earning a meagre US$15 weekly income from selling tomatoes and airtime at a local bus stop.
“It is often challenging to provide food and clothing,” she said.
Moyo defended himself, claiming genuine unemployment and inability to pay the demanded amount.
“Your worship, I am jobless. Since Covid-19, life has been tough. I do odd jobs like carrying bags at the market and fixing radios, but nothing stable come out of it. Where will I find the US$100 that she is demanding?” pleaded Moyo.
However, Ms Sibanda remained unmoved.
“Being unemployed does not exempt you from your paternal duties. If you can walk and talk, you can find a way to contribute to your children’s well-being,” she said.
Ms Sibanda ordered Moyo to pay US$100 monthly in child maintenance, starting from the end of September.
The payments are to be deposited directly into Dakwa’s bank account. This order will remain in effect until the court conducts a formal review. Failure to abide by the court ruling will land Moyo in serious trouble.
