Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi, Online Reporter
A MAN from Harare has been ordered to pay US$100 per month for the upkeep of his child, who is one year and nine months old.
Tatenda Mondiwa’s ex-partner, Ms Privilege Chidadirai, approached the Harare Civil Court alleging that he had not been providing for their child.
The case was heard by Magistrate Ms Faina Makumbe.
“He does not send money for food, medicals and clothes. He tells me he has another family which he is providing for; therefore, he cannot support both families,” Chidadirai said.
She further told the court that she had not been working since her baby was still young and in need of constant care.
“The baby is still too young and needs more attention. I could have hired a maid, but I don’t have the financial means to pay for her services,’’ she added.
Chidadirai told the court that Mondiwa works in the army and can afford to pay US$100 per month.
“He doesn’t have children with his wife, but chooses to take care of that woman’s child while abandoning his own child. He should be ordered to take care of his own child,’’ she said.
In response, Nyangani contested the request, claiming he could only afford US$40 because he has another family.
‘’I have a wife and a child who goes to school, I am the one who covers rentals and pays fees for the child,’’ he said.
He also told the court that he also buys medications for his parents, who are diabetic.
‘’I buy pills and food for my parents who are both diabetic; they require a special diet which is expensive,’’ he said.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Makumbe, ordered Mondiwa to pay US$100 per month, starting from July 31. She also warned him that he would face arrest if he chose to defy.
“You are not exempted from the law because you work in the army, if you fail to pay the US$100 per month you will be arrested, you can’t fail to take care of your own child while taking care of another man’s child,” she said.
