‘He neglects his child because of my status’

Letwin Mubonesi
A MEGA Mart employee was last week dragged to court by his ex-wife who is demanding $180 maintenance for the upkeep of their six-month-old baby.

The two appeared before magistrate Mrs Yeukai Chigodora.

Narrating her ordeal, Chenai Chimukuze told the court that Chivhu was not contributing anything towards the upkeep of their toddler since they separated over her HIV status.

“We separated after our HIV tests declared me positive. Since then he has not been contributing anything for the welfare of the child.

“I don’t even know how he spends the $253 that he earns as his monthly salary. I pray that he should be made to part with $180 per month for maintenance,” said Chimukuze.

Asked to explain why he was not contributing anything, Chivhu blamed Chimukuze’s behaviour that sometimes she threatens to commit suicide and is always in the habit of insulting his mother.

He also explained why he divorced her, saying she was denying using protection during sex since she was HIV positive.

“She refused using protection during sex since she was tested positive and always calls my mother a witch.

“I was afraid of her behaviour too as she threatens to commit suicide at my place of residence,” said Chivhu.

“I love my child but her behaviour is unacceptable, Your Worship” said Chivhu.

In her ruling Mrs Chigodora said that Chivhu should pay $50 per month with effect from October 31.

In an unrelated case, Rutendo Sosoto approached the courts praying for $100 maintenance for the three children she sired with Wellington Chimwanza.

The court heard that, Sosoto left her ailing husband because he was uneducated and jobless.

“She deserted me because I am jobless and uneducated going for a rich husband therefore I can only offer $20 because I do not go to work.

Mrs Chigodora ruled that he should pay at least $30 per month despite being unemployed.