adminTanaka Mrewa, Court reporter
A COURT has granted a 17-year-old mum $20 interim maintenance after her ex-boyfriend denied paternity of her child.
The woman, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, demanded $300 from Bhekumuzi Dube – who told the court he was an out-of-work photographer.
Dube also told magistrate Manasa Musiiwa that the child was not his.
“Your Worship this child isn’t mine even the mother knows it. The mother and her mother have been nothing but drama in my life,” said Dube.
“They’ve been extorting money from my mother since pregnancy. She gave them money that almost amounts to $1,000 as well as groceries every month, although I told her not to.”
He said the teenager and her family had prevented him and his mother from seeing the baby.
“After the baby girl was born my mother asked to see her but they refused.
“They said the money she gave them was charity. I only got to see the baby once when they came to me seeking money,” he said.
The teen’s mother told the court the $300 would be used to pay a maid because she wanted to send her daughter back to school.
“It’s because of you that my child dropped out of school. You can’t start telling me about the $50 groceries that your mother gave us when I was paying $1,500 for my child at school. You’ve to take responsibility for your actions,” she said.
Musiiwa ruled that Dube must pay $20 maintenance pending paternity results, which he is supposed to present in court within six months.
Online Reporter