adminTendai Gukutikwa
A man dug deeper for a convincing reason to avoid paying maintenance when he told the court that he earned only $2 a month, and therefore was unable to look after his three-year old daughter.
Daniel Takaya (22) of Zimunya was hauled before the Mutare Civil Courts by his estranged wife Nomsa Makonyere (22) where she was claiming maintenance of $150.
Makonyere revealed to the court that her husband was negligent towards the up-keep of his family even though he earned an amount that was more than enough to sustain them.
“This man is wicked, Your Worship, he gets R5 for every kombi he loads and that is around a hundred kombis a day which is $50 per day.
“Takaya is stingy and it is evidenced by his paying only $13 as my bride price to my parents and that is only after I had fallen terribly sick.
“He had no intention of even paying that amount if I had not fallen ill,’’ she said.
But Takaya was insistent and had this to say: “Of course, I told you I earn $2 and so $13 was my 7 months savings. She should not complain, at least I showed my love by paying something for her.”
Mrs Chigodora, who presided over the case, could have none of Takaya’s tricks and ordered him to pay $40 monthly as maintenance for his child.
She dismissed his claims and took into consideration the fact that somebody who earned $2 a month would not be renting a room which costs $30 per month.
Online Reporter