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Melody Vherenaisi
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man has offered to pay US$15 as maintenance for his child after neglecting him for two years.
The matter was heard at Mutare Magistrates Civil Court by Mr Xavier Chipato, who ordered Henry Madondo to pay US$30 for the upkeep of his minor child.
Angeline Chingano applied for US$30 as maintenance from Madondo, but he offered to pay half of that as he said his ex-wife’s claim was beyond his reach.
However, Chingano said US$15 was not enough to cover the minor’s expenses.
She also said she depends on piece jobs and earns US$20 or less every month.
“US$15 is not enough for the upkeep of our minor child.
“At times I do not receive money as payment. Sometimes l get foodstuffs or clothes,” said Chingano.
She said Madondo is a farmer who earns at least US$100 per month and therefore he could afford the US$30 she was claiming.
“He is into farming and slaughters cattle. He earns US$100 or more per month,” said Chingano.
Madondo said his friend is the one who slaughters cattle.
He said he lost communication with Chingano when they separated and has since remarried.
“It is now a year since I separated with Chingano and l have not been taking care of my child because I lost communication with her.
“I am only a farmer who earns US$80 a month and this caters for my new wife and child’s needs. I can afford to pay her US$15 as maintenance for our child,” said Madondo.
He added that some time this year, he tried to look for Chingano around Odzi after being told by her aunt that she had relocated there, but failed to find her.
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