adminLetwin Mubonesi
“I AM not employed and I can only offer $10 as maintenance of my child,” declared a Mutare man (33).
Liberty Nyamhunga was in April last year ordered to pay $50 to his ex-wife, Sharon Muchazviona as maintenance.
He recently approached the courts for downward variation saying he cannot afford the amount.
Mutare magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira presided over the matter.
Said Nyamhunga: “When the previous order was made I was employed by Mutare City Council. I am now unemployed and I can’t afford to pay the $50. My prayer to this court is for the downward variation from $50 to $10.”
Asked to explain the circumstances that led to his unemployment, he said: “My employer just told me to leave the job because of some misunderstandings that had arisen at the workplace.” He told the court that he was now earning a living through vending and claimed to be getting a maximum of $15 per month.
His ex-wife responded: “It is out of his own making since he opted to resign and now wants to find excuses to avoid paying maintenance. I am also unemployed Your Worship, where does he thinks I can get the money for the upkeep of the child? That $10 is not enough, but an insult to me.”
He responded: “I know it is not enough Your Worship, but that is what I can afford. Why should I lie?” said Nyamhunga.
However, Mr Gwezhira dismissed his plea and ruled that the amount should remain at $50. He told him to go and work for the upkeep of his baby.
“For you own information $10 is not enough for the upkeep of the baby therefore at least $50 is reasonable,” ruled the magistrate.
Online Reporter