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Mercy Ngwebvu
A MUTARE man frantically tried to avoid paying maintenance when he told the court that his wife had said their four children were not his and thus he should not pay maintenance.Appearing before Mutare magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, Robert Mhandu, said his ex-wife, Florence Jakachira had abandoned him for her parents’ home despite all the efforts he had made to save their marriage.
“Your Worship, I love my wife and family, but now I am confused and doubtful because she told me that the children are not mine. When she left our matrimonial home, I tried to get her back, but it seems her family does not want me for a son-in-law. I would have loved to pay maintenance, but what if I would be taking care of other men’s children? If push comes to shove, I will only part with $10 because I am just an assistant builder and I can barely make $20 on a dry month,” said Mhandu.
On the other hand, Jakachira fumed saying $10 was ridiculous and a mockery.
“$10 is a mockery. It is not enough. This man makes over $400 per month because when we used to stay together, he would give me $300. He is even lying that he is an assistant builder. He is qualified and even hires people. He should take care of his children,” fumed Jakachira.
In his ruling, Mr Gwezhira ordered Mhandu to pay $75 for the upkeep of his children.
Online Reporter