Father ordered to share six-year-old son’s upkeep with the mother

Takudzwa Mangrozah

Herald Reporter

A MAN from Harare has won a reprieve after the Civil Court ruled that he should share the costs for the upkeep of his child with the child’s mother.

Margaret Mutemayiri had applied for US$100 monthly maintenance from Gideon Mangwiro for the upkeep of their six-year-old child.

Mangwiro told the court that he could only pay US$40 since he did not have a fixed salary and earns a 10 percent commission, and that this may also be lower if he misses a day from work due to unforeseen circumstances.

He also asked that the child be transferred from the private school, saying he could not pay the fees.

However, Mutemayiri refused to transfer the child, asking instead that Mangwiro contribute what he could afford towards school fees and related expenses. She also said the US$40 offer was too low and was willing to settle for US$50.

Presiding magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed ruled that Mangwiro should pay US$40 and ZIG800 per month for the child’s upkeep.

The court also ordered that school fees and related expenses be shared equally, with payments made directly to the school.