adminBlessing Rwizi
IT is said you must enjoy the days of your youth, but not for a Mutare teenager who is now grappling with the responsibility of fatherhood after being dragged to court to take care of his child.
Richard Chinanai a ‘O’ Level student at Independent College, impregnated the family’s domestic worker, Primrose Kachikawo one and half years ago, but was now finding it difficult to meet the fatherhood demands.
Kachikawo approached Mutare Civil Courts last week demanding $80 as monthly maintenance of their one-year six-months-old girl. The two appeared before Mrs Annia Ndiraya.
Kachikawo told the court that she used to be a maid and now that she was not working, she wanted money for the upkeep of their child.
“I only earn $20 per month from selling ‘jiggies’ in Bocha where I am currently staying. He should help me to take care of the child. I need $80 Your Worship,” said Kachikawo.
Chinanai offered to pay only $15. He told the court that he was still a student and was being taken care of by his mother’s sister.
“I can only persuade my mum’s sister to help me with $15 per month.
“I am still getting even my undergarments from my parents and where does she expect me to get the $80?” asked Chananai.
Asked where she thinks the young man could get the amount of money she was claiming, Kachikawo told Mrs Ndiraya that his parents who work in South Africa would help him.
“Fathering a child was a sign of being man enough to be responsible. I know he is a student, but I am sure his parents in South Africa will help him,” she said.
In her ruling, Mrs Ndiraya ordered the young father to pay $20 as maintenance with effect from August 31, 2015.
Online Reporter