adminLethokuhle Moyo Court Reporter
A Tabernacle of Faith Ministries pastor has been reprimanded in the Maintenance Court for failing to take care of his children.
Edison Mbizvo, who sired three children with three different women, has been ordered to pay $50 for the upkeep of one of his kids.Mbizvo was dragged to the Maintenance Court by Siphilakahle Dube and both appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Vivian Ndlovu for the hearing.
The pastor was ordered to pay $50 maintenance per month and an additional $40 to clear school fees arrears for the child.
Dube offered to contribute some money to clear the school fees.
Magistrate Ndlovu reprimanded Mbizvo.
“What kind of a pastor are you? What do you tell your congregation? You want us to tell you how to take care of your child?” said the magistrate.
Initially, Dube demanded $100 per month, but Mbizvo told the court that he could only afford to pay $60 per month. The pastor added that he is not married and has three children.
He said he lives with two of his children and only one stays with Dube who was suing him.
He said he was a pastor and was struggling to make ends meet as he was released from prison recently.
Mbizvo did not divulge the crime that he had committed.
“Your worship, I’m unemployed. I’m struggling to start a new life because I was in prison for the past six years eight months,” Mbizvo said.
“I only do piece jobs as a plumber with my uncle whom I’ll be assisting. I usually give the child whatever I get. For example I’ve been buying uniforms, school shoes and relish.”
Dube said although she was self-employed, she wanted the pastor to keep his end of the bargain and pay maintenance for his child.
She said the child needed school and medical fees.
“Your worship, as we speak the child owes school fees for the whole year which has amounted to $75. My child also has eye problems and I need to take him to the doctor every now and then,” Dube said.
“My child’s school fees are $25 per term but it amounts to $35 for all the school expenses per term. If he’s offering $50, it’s fine, but I need him to meet me half way in clearing the fees that the child owes.”
Online Reporter