Online Reporter
Sharon Jiyamwa
Herald reporter
The Harare Civil Court has ordered a local man to pay US$120 or its Zimbabwe-dollar equivalent per month towards the upkeep of his four minor children.
This followed an application by Beauty Mumbai, who had taken her husband, Wonder Chiguvare, to court seeking $550 in monthly maintenance for their children, aged 16, 12, 10 and three.
Mumbai told the court that Chiguvare had neglected the family for a prolonged period, leaving her to shoulder household expenses alone.
She said one of the children had since dropped out of school due to financial challenges. In his response, Chiguvare offered to pay US$40 towards maintenance and school fees, saying he could not afford more because he is a pensioner earning US$55 a month.
Chiguvare also told the court that he was suffering from an HIV-related illness. He alleged that he contracted the virus from Mumbai, whom he accused of having undisclosed health issues and taking medication without informing him.
He said that he was in the process of filing for divorce, adding that if he were physically fit, he would work to support his children.
Presiding magistrate Ms Janemary Makonye ordered Chiguvare to pay US$120 or its Zimbabwe-dollar equivalent per month towards the upkeep of the four children until they turn 18 or become self-supporting.
The magistrate said that despite Chiguvare’s personal circumstances, the children still needed to be cared for.
