Man falsely claims he earns $30k to reduce maintenance

Tanaka Mahanya

A HARARE man has been dragged to court by his ex-wife for failing to pay maintenance.

Shingirirai Nyatsanga, 45, denied he was failing to pay maintenance for his two minor children.

He said he could only afford to pay $15 000.

“I do not earn much, Your Worship. My salary is slightly above $30 000 so I cannot pay the required $30 000.

“I want the court to consider that I also support three other children and my 89-year-old mother.

“I also support my daughter, who is of ill-health and requires constant medical attention.

“Each month, I pay medical bills for myself, my daughter and my ex-wife, although she has dragged me to court today,” he said.

However, Nyatsanga’s ex-wife Fungai Chigade, 33, denied his claims and said his daughter was married and only sought medical attention when she miscarried.

“His daughter has a chronic illness and currently stays with her husband.

“He does not support her,” said Chigade.

She indicated that Nyatsanga had a tendency of borrowing money from his employer, which is deducted from his monthly salary.

“His salary shows that he has money deducted because of arrears, so he will not have enough money left to maintain his family,” she said.

The court established that Nyatsanga earns $104 000 per month.

Magistrate Sharon Mashavira ruled that Nyatsanga must pay $30 000 for both children, with effect from August 30.