Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah
Herald Reporter
A maintenance dispute involving three children was settled amicably after both parties reached an agreement in court.
Martha Mpofu approached the court seeking US$700 per month from the father of her children, Kenneth Kamuchenge, for the upkeep of their three children.
Mpofu, who works as a cook and earns US$150 per month, told the court that the money would be used to cover school fees, food and transport.
She claimed that Kamuchenge, who is employed as a driver, earns US$1 200 per month.
However, Kamuchenge disputed the claim, saying that he earns US$361 as a driver and offered to pay US$180 towards the children’s upkeep.
He added that the job was his only source of income since it’s demanding, and that he also supports his elderly parents and another family.
Kamuchenge told the court that he had been paying rent for the house where the applicant stays as well as school fees for the three children.
He also questioned why the children had been transferred to another school without his consent.
Mpofu denied the claims, stating that since their separation in 2024, the respondent had only paid rent for one month, and she had been meeting most of the children’s needs on her own.
She added that she had transferred the children from Chegutu to Harare due to mounting debts and to ensure they are closer to her.
The matter was resolved after both parties consented to a maintenance order of US$200 per month for the upkeep of the children.
