Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
A MAN from Harare has been ordered by the Civil Court to pay US$250 monthly in maintenance for his three children following complaints by his wife that he had failed to provide for them.
Faith Magaisa told Harare Civil Court magistrate Faina Makumbe that her husband, Talent Muterembwe, had neglected his responsibilities.
She told the court that she earns only US$60 per month from selling candy, which is barely enough to cover rent, food and school fees for her children.
“I sell candy, and sometimes I earn even less than US$60. The money is not enough to cover rent, food, and school fees for the children,” Magaisa said.
She added that although they live together, she is the only one providing for the family.
“I am the one making sure we eat. He doesn’t even know how much our rentals are,” she said.
Magaisa further alleged that her children are afraid to ask their father for money because he reportedly beats them up when they ask school fees.
She had initially requested US$400 per month from Muterembwe to cover the children’s school fees, rent and food.
In his defence, Muterembwe told the court that he could only afford US$220 per month.
“I earn US$300 monthly and sometimes we are given US$50 weekly for transport. If I give her US$400, I will be left with nothing,” he said.
He added that he had stopped giving his wife money because she mismanaged previous funds.
“I used to give her all my salary, but I noticed she doesn’t know how to budget, so I stopped. This was to teach her a lesson; I was planning to start giving her again eventually,” he said.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Makumbe ordered Muterembwe to pay US$250 monthly in maintenance, starting August 30.
