adminYemurai Ushamba, Chronicle Reporter
A MAN from Bulawayo who is in maintenance arrears amounting to nearly $1 800 yesterday threatened to quit his job before a magistrate if a garnishee order was granted saying that would amount to working only for his ex-wife and children.
Edward Checha told Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure that it was better for him to go to jail than have a huge chunk of his salary going towards maintenance payments.
His ex-wife, Ms Tecla Kahari, told the court that in April last year, Checha was ordered to pay $150 for the upkeep of his two minor children but was defaulting.
She said arrears amounting to nearly $1 800 have accrued since April 2017.
“He was ordered to pay $150 in April last year but since then I have received no money from him,” she said.
Checha denied not paying the money saying that he has been paying school fees for both children and contributing towards groceries.
“I have been paying school fees and also contributing towards groceries. I cannot afford $150. If the money is deducted from my salary I am left with nothing since I earn $270 a month. Children are both parents’ responsibilities and it is my wish that I pay $60 for the upkeep of our children and she also contributes,” he said.
The man said his ex-wife has since re-married.
Checha threatened to quit his job if the garnishee order was granted.
“I will quit my job if she is granted the garnishee order. I would rather stay home and where will the money be deducted from? It’s better to be arrested than to know I’m working only for her and her children,” he said.
Magistrate Mbeure granted the garnishee order and told Checha that if he does not pay the money he will be arrested.
“The garnishee order has been granted. If he does not pay go to the criminal court and get him arrested,” she said. — @YUshamba
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