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Court Reporter
A Harare lawyer representing a China-based woman in a maintenance case at the Harare Civil Courts was on Friday accused of forging court papers. Mr Ray Tsvakwi of Charles Chinyama and Partners accused Mr Tafadzwa Hungwe of Venturas and Samukange Legal Practitioners, who was representing Ms Tessie Billie in a maintenance row, of forging a signature on an affidavit to strengthen their case before the courts.
Mr Tsvakwi was representing Petros Chaponda, who has a child with Billie. Billie was demanding US$1 600 for the upkeep of the child.
“The signature appearing on the maintenance application and the signature on the supporting affidavit are different.
“We believe the applicant’s legal practitioner forged the client signature in order to further their client’s case,” said Mr Tsvakwi.
Advocate Julia Hood, the commissioner of oaths at their law firm, was alleged to be employed by the applicant’s legal practitioners, Tsvakwi said.
He argued that Chaponda was unemployed and depended on his wife for survival.
“He is also surviving on handouts from other family members which fluctuate between US$50 and US$100.
“He is prepared to offer US$30 as maintenance per month in respect of the minor child pending results of paternity tests for the minor child who is in China with her mother. He does not own any businesses as she (Billie) claims,” he said.
In her affidavit Billie said she was unaware that Chaponda was married and only found out after issuing summons for maintenance.
“He was no longer visiting me and was not supporting me and the child. He can afford to pay US$2 600 because he is a businessman.
“He has the latest cars and owns a panel beating shop in Chitungwiza,” she said.
Magistrate Ms Gamuchirai Siwardi ordered Chaponda to pay US$560 a month beginning March 31.
Online Reporter