Moffat Mungazi
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A MARANGE school head drew laughter at the Mutare Civil Court by offering a meagre US$30 monthly contribution towards the upkeep of his two minor children, despite his estranged wife’s demand for US$500 per month.
Victor Fukwa’s wife — Trust Mutengerere – had initiated the court case, alleging that her husband had neglected his financial responsibilities towards their children, forcing her to bear the entire burden of childcare alone.
Mutare magistrate, Ms Prisca Manhibi presided over the matter.
Allegations of shocking neglect emerged during the court proceedings as Mutengerere testified against her husband.
Despite sharing a matrimonial home, she claimed Fukwa had reneged on his financial responsibilities towards their children.
The distraught wife alleged that Fukwa had consistently failed to pay school fees or provide basic necessities for their children.
She further asserted that her husband had effectively abandoned his paternal role, leaving her to shoulder the entire burden of childcare alone, without any emotional or financial support.
“My husband has left me to carry the weight of parenting alone. He has turned his back on his responsibilities, and I am the one who has to provide and care for our children without any help or contribution from him,” said Mutengerere.
She said she had spared her husband’s reputation in the community by avoiding court action for a long time, but was compelled to seek court intervention for the sake of their children.
A stark contrast emerged between Mutengerere’s demand for US$500 in child support and Fukwa’s counter-offer of a paltry US$30.
Fukwa cited his purportedly limited salary, claiming it barely covered his transportation expenses, let alone providing for his children.
Fukwa’s justification for the meagre offer also included the burden of supporting other children, and a loan deduction from his salary.
The significant disparity between Mutengerere’s demand and Fukwa’s counter-offer raised questions about the headmaster’s priorities and commitment to supporting his children.
“I cannot afford to pay US$500. My salary is barely enough to cover my transportation costs to work. I have other children to care for, and on top of that, I have a loan being deducted from my salary. So US$30 is all I can manage right now,” said Fukwa.
Mutengerere countered Fukwa’s claims of financial hardship, revealing to the court that her husband owned a lucrative shop, which he had failed to disclose.
Fukwa attempted to downplay the business’s success, describing it as a “small tuck-shop” that generated minimal income.
“I am being honest, Your worship, the shop is just a small-scale business. It does not generate a lot of income, and it is not enough to support all my responsibilities,” claimed Fukwa.
He then shifted the focus to his suspicions of Mutengerere’s infidelity, citing it as the reason for his emotional and financial withdrawal.
“I cannot afford to continue supporting the household when my wife is cheating on me. She would rather spend time with her boyfriend, and get money from him instead. How am I supposed to continue providing when she has turned her back on me and our family?” alleged Fukwa.
Mutengerere revealed that she was forced to seek refuge at her sister’s house in Dangamvura due to Fukwa’s alleged physical abuse.
Despite Fukwa’s counter-claims of infidelity and emotional distress, the court delivered a decisive ruling — ordering the headmaster to pay a total of US$150 per month.
This ruling stands irrespective of Fukwa’s alleged financial struggles or accusations against his wife — underscoring his legal obligation to contribute to the family’s welfare.
Online Reporter