Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
Herald Reporter
A Harare man who was paying US$300 in child maintenance per month will now pay US$50 after Harare Civil Court Magistrate Ms Faina Makumbe granted his application for a downward variation.
Mr Sidney Sixpants pleaded with the court to reduce the amount arguing when his ex-lover Ms Mercy Tadyanai was granted the US$300 maintenance order, he could not attend court because he was ill.
“I could not make it to court because I was very ill. Tadyanai proceeded with the matter even after I told her I was admitted in hospital,” he said.
He told the court that he was involved in an accident and hurt his arm, leg and head.
Mr Sixpants told the court he is not working at the moment because he has not fully recovered.
“I am still healing, I do not go to work at the moment, I can give her US$50,” he said.
Ms Tadyanai opposed the application, telling the court she also has a medical condition but is going to work because she needs to take care of her child.
“US$50 is not enough. I am actually sacrificing right now. I, too, have a medical condition, but I know my child needs to be taken care of, hence I still go to work,” she said.
She told the court US$50 will not be enough to pay school fees, cover medical bills and buy clothes for the child.
“I earn US$198 as a cashier at Lucky Chicken, most of my money goes towards rent, hence US$50 will not be enough for medicals, school fees and my child’s clothes,” she said.
After hearing both sides, Ms Makumbe ruled in favour of Mr Sixpants and ordered him to pay the US$50 per month starting from September 30.
Ms Makumbe, however, advised Ms Tadyanai to return to court for a review once Mr Sixpants returns to work.
Online Reporter