adminHlabile Dube Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man told the court that he could not pay maintenance for his 12-year-old child because he is preparing to pay lobola for his second wife. Witness Ndlovu, a teacher, told magistrate Vimbai Mtukwa that he was not able to pay $150 his estranged wife Constance Mhlanga was demanding for their child as he was preparing for his second marriage.
“I can’t pay maintenance because I’m saving money for lobola. I’m single and searching after we separated in 2010. I’m also earning just $398 which is not enough to pay what she is demanding,” said Ndlovu.
Mhlanga accused Ndlovu of being irresponsible saying he had not provided for his child from birth.
“My ex-husband is a teacher but he has been failing to take care of his child. I need $150 from him for the upkeep of our child. I started paying school fees when the child was at ECD up to Grade Six. Right now I’m unemployed and I stay in rural areas,” she said.
Magistrate Mtukwa ordered Ndlovu to pay $100 maintenance per month starting this monthend.
Online Reporter