Doctor demands, gets child support

Faith Mandizha

A HARARE doctor has gone to court demanding $150 000 in child maintenance from her ex-boyfriend.

The doctor, only identified as Trish, said her ex-husband, Ashbel Ngwena, had never taken responsibility for his 15-year-old son and never calls or visits him.

“I need money for our son’s school fees since he learns at a private school.

“I’m a doctor, but l can’t afford to cater for our son’s needs alone. 

“He should chip in for our son to have the best education possible,” said Trish.

She added:

“Your Worship, all l need is his assistance and support for our son. l just want my son to have a father and feel loved.

“He has never attended any of our son’s consultations or s aports days, or shown any interest in our son,” she said.

Ashbel said he could not afford to pay that amount and, instead, offered $50 000 because he has another family to cater for.

“Your Worship, l can’t afford that amount. 

“l don’t have a stable job. I can only offer her $50 000 since l have other children to take care of as well.

“I have another family and my current wife takes all the money before l can pay for my son’s stationery or fees,” he said.

Trish accepted the offer stating that she only needed him to play a role in the upbringing of their son.

Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini ordered Ashbel to pay $95 000 child support.