I HAVE 10 KIDS, I CAN’T AFFORD MAINTENANCE

Natasha Mbewe

A HARARE man yesterday told the court that he was unemployed in a bid to evade paying maintenance.

Peter Mahachi was taken to court by his former wife, Plaxedes Vhiyachi, who was demanding $230 000 for the up-keep of their children.

Mahachi only offered $20 000, insisting he had lost his job.

“I have 10 children in total,” he said.

“I cannot afford the money she wants because I am not employed at the moment.

“I can only assist her in paying school fees and buying uniforms,” he said.

But Vhiyachi said his $20 000 offer was a joke.

“I need help to take care of the children, I cannot do this alone.

“He has a contract with a big furniture shop, but he claims it expired.

“He is lying that he has 10 children, I have never seen the other children he is talking about,” Vhiyazhi said.

Presiding magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini ordered Mahachi to pay $45 000 maintenance as well as school fees and to buy uniforms.