Out-of-work dad offers $10 child upkeep

Patient Sibanda Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man stunned a local court when he offered $10 for the upkeep of his minor child saying he was unemployed.

Edmore Khondo of Makokoba suburb dragged his estranged wife Miriam Khondo of the same suburb to the Maintenance Court applying for a downward variation for his maintenance payment.

Khondo told magistrate Tinashe Tashaya that he could no longer afford to pay $50 for the upkeep of his child as he was no longer employed.

He claimed that he was once a vendor, but was now broke due to the decision by the Bulawayo City Council to clamp down on illegal vending activities.

Khondo said he was struggling to support other children.

“I’m not employed. I survive on menial jobs. I’m struggling to raise money for my child. I’ve four other children who need my support. I beg the court to grant my application. I’ve other expenses too. I pay rent, buy food and also pay school fees for my children,” he said.

Magistrate Tashaya dismissed Khondo’s application and ordered him to continue paying $50 as monthly maintenance for his minor child.

Miriam told the court that she was against Khondo’s application.

“Your worship I’m against his application. The amount that he is offering isn’t enough to cater for the needs of my child. I’m not employed also. He should maintain his child,” she said.