Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi
Herald Reporter
ELEST CHIDZIVA has been ordered to pay US$90 per month for the maintenance of his three minor children.
His ex-partner, Talent Mugabe appeared before Harare Civil Court magistrate Ms Faina Makumbe, alleging that he had left his family for another woman and has stopped supporting her.
She told the court that she is not employed and has been struggling to pay rent, school fees and buy food.
“We had been married for 20 years but one day he just decided to leave me and his three children for another wife. He never sent money which is why I decided to get a maintenance order,” she said.
Initially, Mugabe demanded US$180 to cover rent, rates and school fees.
“He works at Colcom Foods where he gets US$318 per month and on top of that he has other side hustles,” she said.
“It will not be a challenge for him to give me the US$180 because he only has one child with his wife,” said Mugabe.
Chidziva contested the request, claiming he could only afford US$70 because he was also providing for his wife and child.
“Not only do I provide for my wife and kid, I also pay a maid who is taking care of my mother as she is of old age and needs assistance,” he said.
He told the court his salary was US$248 not US$318.
“She is lying about my salary. I get US$248 per month and I do not have any side hustles,” he said.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Makumbe, ordered Chidziva to pay US$90 per month, starting July 31.
