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Melody Vherenaisi
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man’s bid to have a maintenance downward variation from US$100 to US$20 hit a snag after he was ordered to pay US$50 for the upkeep of his two children.
Taurai Museta argued that the US$100 maintenance he had been ordered to pay to Tendai Muchabayana for the upkeep of their two children was granted in default.
The couple appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato recently.
Mr Chipato ordered Museta to pay US$50 and also contribute half of the children’s school fees.
Muchabayana almost broke down in tears in court, arguing that the US$20 that Museta was offering was not enough for the two children.
She said one of the children is now attending primary school and has fees arrears for two terms.
Muchabayana claimed that Museta is trying to fix her with the children since he no longer loves her.
She said he can afford to pay US$100 as maintenance as he is a businessman.
“US$20 is not enough for two minor children since I need school fees for the one who is attending primary school. He has school fees arrears for two terms as I do not have the money.
“The other child suffers from hernia and I am always in and out of hospital with her. I should have money with me all the time so that I can take care of her.
“He cannot give us US$20 considering all the money that he gets from all his sources of income.
“He is the director of Mutare plumbers. He drives taxis and buses since he is a holder of a Class Two driver’s licence. He is also a qualified plumber,” said Muchabayana.
However, Museta said he is only employed as a plumber on part time basis.
“My wife takes care of me because at times I can go for two years without being employed and Muchabayana knows that,” said Museta.
He also denied being a driver and a director at Mutare Plumbers, although the evidence that was tendered before the court proved otherwise.
Museta also claimed that he was giving Muchabayana money which she uses to buy her own clothes at the expense of the two children.
Mr Chipato ordered Museta to pay US$50 for the upkeep of his children.
Online Reporter