Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
Online Correspondent
A HARARE man, Libson Taurayi, has been ordered to pay US$60 per month in child maintenance and to cover full school fees for his four children after allegedly abandoning his family to start a new life.
His estranged wife, Beauty Basvi, approached the Harare Civil Court seeking US$250 monthly for the upkeep of their children, including a four-month-old baby.
She appeared before magistrate Talent Mutasa.
“He left soon after I gave birth to our fourth child,” Basvi told the court.
“He sent the other three children to the rural areas. They were not going to school, so I brought them back and now they are staying with me.”
Basvi said she has been unable to work due to the demands of caring for their premature baby.
“My child is premature and requires extra care. That is why I have not been able to go to work. I desperately need this money to buy food, clothes, and to pay school fees,” she said.
Taurayi offered US$50 per month in maintenance and agreed to pay full school fees for all four children.
He said his income from his job at Harare City Council was limited.
“I earn US$200 per month working for the City of Harare,” Taurayi said.
“I use some of the money for food, transport and rent. I can afford to give her US$50 and I am willing to pay the full school fees.”
Magistrate Mutasa ordered Taurayi to pay US$60 monthly for child support and cover all school fees, starting May 31.
