Man offers $4 000 maintenance

Natasha Mbewe

A HARARE man is refusing to pay maintenance until a DNA test is done to prove that he is the father of the 13-year-old child.

Tirivangani Mutanhaurwa said there was another man claiming paternity for one of his children, with his ex-wife, Lydia Mudzoza.

He now wants to be sure that he is paying maintenance for his real child.

Mudzoza has agreed to do the DNA saying there was nothing to hide.

“I want $80 000 for the upkeep of our 13-year-old child.  “I am a vendor and do not earn much,” Mudzoza said.

But, Mutanhaurwa said:

“I am not sure whether the child is really mine. 

“I do not own any shops, l stay in Chiweshe where I do my farming with my wife and seven other children,” he said.

Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini asked Mutanhaurwa to make an offer for the child.

She said if DNA results prove he is not the father, Mudzoza would reimburse him.

“I will give her $4 000 while I wait for a paternity test,” said Mutanhaurwa.

Magistrate Dhlamini ruled that he pays $20 000 for now.