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SUNGURA musician Morgan Tazvivinga Dembo has been ordered by the Harare Civil Court to pay US$1 000 monthly for the upkeep of his two teenage daughters.
The court-mandated obligation will remain in effect until each child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self-supporting, whichever comes first.
The children, aged 14 and 16, are currently enrolled in Form Two and Form Three, respectively.
The court order follows an application by the children’s mother, Christine Tumbare, who had sought a monthly contribution of US$2 700 to cover school fees, rent, groceries and clothing.
During proceedings, Morgan Dembo, son of the late Leonard Dembo, contested the figure as unreasonable, ultimately offering to pay US$500 per child, which the court accepted.
“The US$2 700 amount being claimed is too much. It is beyond what I can reasonably afford to pay every month. I can only pay US$500 for each child,” said Dembo in court.
Outside the courtroom, Tumbare alleged a long history of neglect.
She stated that, while the court had previously ordered Dembo to pay US$30 monthly in 2012 — later increased to US$70 in 2013 — he failed to make any of the required payments over the years.
Tumbare claims she has survived primarily through the generosity of well-wishers who support the legacy of the late sungura legend, Leonard Dembo.
“I have been raising our two daughters alone for many years,” Tumbare said.
“I have paid for their food, clothes, school fees and rent. It has not been fair that I have had to rely on others while their father is alive.”
She further alleged that Dembo unilaterally transferred the children from Gumbonzvanda High School, where they had access to free education as they were enrolled under the Government’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), to the more expensive Westview Group of Schools.
According to Tumbare, the new school fees are approximately US$1 000 per term per child.
She claims Dembo has failed to meet these costs, leaving school fees in arrears.
“Even if they sue me, I have nothing to offer. I lost my only source of income — selling clothes — and I am not formally employed,” she declared.
Reflecting on their past, Tumbare said she married Dembo at the age of 16 out of necessity, seeking stability after losing her parents.
She alleged the relationship became abusive, particularly during her second pregnancy, prompting her to leave with their then-five-month-old daughter.
Tumbare also expressed frustration regarding the recent financial windfall received by the Dembo family from businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo.
She stated that despite the family receiving US$50 000 and vehicles in honour of the late Leonard Dembo, her request for a mere US$300 to support their children was ignored.
“When Morgan and his family received the money and vehicles, I asked him for US$300 for the children, but he did not help. He has also refused to pay rent for the house where I am staying with the children,” she said.
“My only wish is for our daughters to get the support they deserve from their father. His mother suggested that I use the car gift he got to support our children, but he refused.”
When contacted for comment regarding the allegations, Dembo neither denied nor confirmed the specific claims made by Tumbare.
“Talk to her and come up with your verdict there . . . I do not have anything to say regarding that matter,” Dembo said.
