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Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A Bulawayo man yesterday offered a paltry $20 for the maintenance of his two minor children.
Kanizious Tembo, a personnel clerk at the National Railways of Zimbabwe told Bulawayo magistrate Mr Sheunesu Matova that $20 was all he could spare for his children aged three and one year from his salary of $270.
His wife, Ms Primrose Ndlovu, said Tembo earned $650 but was not supporting his children.
“Your worship I went to his work place and they showed me his payslip. He earns $650 yet he buys his own food and does not buy food or anything for the children,” said Ms Ndlovu.
The court heard that the two live in the same house but stay in separate rooms, with Ms Ndlovu taking care of the children’s needs.
Tembo said he had two other children to support.
“I do not earn such an amount. I cannot afford to pay $170 that she wants because I have two other children that depend on me. She chased them from our house, so now I am supporting two separate families. I can contribute $20 every month after paying bills,” he said.
The magistrate postponed the matter to next Thursday.
He ordered that a letter be sent to Tembo’s employer to ascertain how much Tembo was earning before he could pass judgement.
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