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Gibson Mhaka
IT was literally a home and away loss for a Bulawayo man after his wife and mistress exposed his irresponsible behaviour by taking him to the maintenance court at the same time.
Nkathazo Ndlovu from Entumbane was sued by his wife Brenda Ncube for child support after she learnt that his mistress Simbisai Shoko from Pelandaba had approached the court demanding an increase in maintenance after they had a second child.
Shoko, who initially applied for maintenance in October 2016 and was granted $70 per month, approached the court again last week applying for a maintenance upward variation to $400 citing that she now has another child with Ndlovu, who is employed by Bulawayo City Council as a municipal police.
“We now have another child and the older one is going to school next year. The cost of living has also gone up, therefore the $70 that was granted on 6 October 2016 is no longer enough to cater for the needs of two children. I now want an upward variation from $70 to $400,” claimed Shoko adding that life was difficult for her as she was not employed.
In response, Ndlovu turned down the offer arguing that he was a married man with three other children.
“I am married and I have three other children. I am currently paying $160 and the money she is demanding I can’t afford it as I am also looking after my family and grandparents,” responded Ndlovu who had initially lied to the court that he was earning $1 000 when in fact is getting $1 875.
His argument apparently didn’t draw the court’s sympathy when the presiding magistrate Ulukile Ndlovu ordered him to contribute $350 as monthly maintenance starting end of this month.
Enraged that Shoko who was depriving her bedroom time with her husband had also demanded an increase in maintenance, Ncube also filed her papers claiming $900 as monthly upkeep for their three children aged two, six and nine.
She told the court that her husband has failed or neglected to provide reasonable support for his family.
“I am seeking a monthly maintenance of $900 for our three children from the respondent (Ndlovu) in terms of the Maintenance Act (Chapter 5:09) to cover groceries, rent, clothing, school fees among other expenses,” she said.
In response, Ndlovu courted his wife’s anger when he offered $300 per month for the upkeep of his children.
“I am offering $300 as I have two other children. I am also looking after my grandparents,” pleaded Ndlovu.
His “measly” offer however, didn’t go down well with his wife who said it was not enough to cover for their three children’s needs.
“The money ($300) is not enough to cover the needs of three children,” she angrily responded.
Taking her argument into consideration, the magistrate also ordered Ndlovu to contribute $550 as monthly maintenance for his three children starting end of December.
Online Reporter