Single mum leaves court in tears

Christine Chinhanhu

AN 18-year-old single mother yesterday left the court in tears after her maintenance case was postponed.

Tracy Madzivanzira broke down after her case, against Defence Madondo, was deferred to a later date by magistrate Sharon Mashavira. She was suing her former lover for neglecting the upkeep of their five-month-old child.

The court hearing was deferred after it was noted they did not follow the correct procedure in serving the court papers. Both Tracy and Defence stay with their parents. Her mother, Patricia Kanosvava, who attended court, said Defence only contributed money to buy clothes when Tracy was pregnant.

“He gave Tracy US$70 to buy clothes for the child when she was due for labour only.

“I had to pay the hospital bill without his help, yet he is working,” she said. Patricia said she was hurt by the way Defence, and his family, treated her daughter, when she was pregnant.

“His family chased her away, not even considering that she was either young or pregnant. She left to go and stay with him but they chased her away. Defence ordered a taxi with three men, who came with Tracy home, in Whitecliffe. Her belongings were thrown out of the car and I was hurt. 

“As a mother, I had to be strong for my child and took her back.

“I heard he is now in a relationship with another woman who is expecting, but he is failing to contribute to the upkeep of the child he has with my daughter.”