Online Reporter
Sekai Manyere
Herald Reporter
A HARARE man, who claimed he could only pay US$20 a month for the upkeep of his child, will now have to dig deeper into his pockets.
Freddy Milanzi was ordered by Harare Civil Court Magistrate Janemary Makonye to pay US$50 every month for the child’s upkeep.
He will also have to pay US$60 towards school fees every term.
The court heard that the child’s needs have increased after starting school.
The child’s mother, Catherine Mafurirwa, approached the court seeking an upward variation of the maintenance.
“I have come for an upward variation because our child is now going to school and the currency has changed,” she said.
Catherine told the court that she works at a private school and pays half of the child’s school fees.
But Milanzi pleaded poverty, telling the court that he could only manage US$20 for upkeep and another US$20 towards school fees.
He said he works as a tailor and earns about US$100 a month.
He also told the court that he had other family responsibilities to meet.
“I have other responsibilities. I look after my other child and a wife so, US$250 is too much considering my situation,” he said.
After considering both sides, Magistrate Makonye ordered Milanzi to pay US$50 per month towards the child’s maintenance and US$60 per term for school fees.
