Hubby demands custody of 11-year-old son

Ivan Zhakata Court Reporter
An estranged couple appeared before the Harare Civil Court yesterday with the husband demanding custody of their 11-year-old son claiming that the child is being exposed to immoral acts by his mother. Tapiwa Gomo alleges that his ex-wife, Sabina Nkonde brings boyfriends and beds them in the presence of their son. Gomo told magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko that Nkonde was not fit to have custody of the son because she neglects the child during the night and visits night clubs.

He also said that Nkonde was in the habit of misusing the money he pays for the up keep of their son. “I am applying for custody of my son because she is failing to take good care of him and neglects him on several occasions,” Gomo said. “She scolds the child using obscene language and I have an audio recording to that effect. She is also in the habit of bringing and bedding boyfriends in the child’s presence and this has affected him mentally and emotionally,” he said.

Nkonde refuted Gomo’s allegations saying he was manufacturing allegations against her so that he would be given the child. She told the court that Gomo neglected the child when he was 10 days old and relocated to Kenya only to return this month demanding custody. “I am the mother of this child and know what is best for my son,” Nkonde said.

“Gomo neglected the child 11 years ago when he was 10 days old and he has never seen the child whom he now wants custody of. He has a history of mental loss and I do not think he is capable of taking good care of the child,” she added.

Magistrate Mrs Mateko postponed the matter to November 10 for continuation and ordered Nkonde to bring the child.