Online Reporter
Fidelis Chavarike
Weekender Reporter
A MAINTENANCE dispute unfolded at Mutare Civil Court as Catherine Marara, of Zimunya Village, sought financial support from her ex-husband, Morris Mabvute, for their two-year-old child.
The case was presided over by Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato.
Marara alleged that Mabvute had not contributed to their child’s welfare since she became pregnant.
“I am seeking maintenance for our minor child. The father has failed to support the child, and is denying paternity. I want Mabvute to pay US$100.
“He has neglected the child and never bought anything since birth. We separated when I was pregnant due to his violence, accusing me of infidelity,” she said.
Marara further claimed that Mabvute’s behaviour during her first pregnancy forced her to seek refuge at a friend’s house.
“When I was pregnant with our first son, he chased me away. We reconciled in 2022, but he did not support our first child, and now I want him to take responsibility for this one. As a contractor, I know he can afford it,” she said.
However, Mabvute countered the allegations, claiming Marara had multiple boyfriends and that they had used protection since reconciling in 2022.
“After we reunited in 2022, we always used protection because she was also seeing another man. I informed her sister about the situation. The child she claims is mine actually belongs to someone else. We even took a DNA test to confirm it,” Mabvute countered.
He further alleged that during their separation, Marara had approached five different men from their village, claiming each was the father of the child.
“She eloped with five different men, telling each one that he was the father of the child. I confirmed this with her sister. I took the DNA test for my peace of mind. In our tradition, no man would refuse a son — we all want one,” he added.
The DNA test results, presented in court, confirmed Mabvute was not the biological father. However, Marara disputed the results, claiming they might have been forged.
“We went together to see the doctor, so why were the results already opened? I have doubts; they might be fake.
“We agreed to collect them together, but he presented them in court without informing me. I am confident that the child is his, and I want to verify the results with the doctor myself,” she said.
Mr Chipato granted her permission to verify the results with the doctor. Upon her return, the DNA test still confirmed Mabvute was not the father. Consequently, the court denied the maintenance request.
“The court recognises the DNA results as evidence, and without biological paternity, there is no legal obligation for maintenance. However, the applicant may seek further verification if she believes the child is indeed his,” ruled Mr Chipato.
