tout offers $20 maintenance

Noleen Makhurane, Court Reporter
A Bulawayo tout yesterday offered $20 child support for his one year old daughter.

Thando Ndlovu refused to pay $80 that was being claimed by his estranged wife Melisa Ncube.

He told magistrate Adelaide Mbeure that he was unemployed but worked as a part-time tout during weekends.

Ndlovu said that he had been living with his wife in his family’s home before she moved out.

“My wife had a misunderstanding with my mother before she left our home. I do not know where she is staying now.

“My mother was helping with buying food and I only had to pay electricity bills. I can offer $20 as maintenance,” he said.

Ncube refused the offer and told the court that she saw Ndlovu touting every day.

“He is liar! He works everyday of the week as a tout. He bought a decoder worth $80 during the week he started working in kombis. I know he can afford to pay $80,” said Ncube.

The court heard from Ndlovu that he makes at least $50 a month.

Magistrate Mbeure ruled that Ndlovu contributes $35 towards the upkeep of his child.