adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A PLUMTREE Magistrate has denied a divorced couple that was fighting over custody of their four-year-old child the privilege of staying with the minor after pointing out that they were both unfit guardians.
Livard Philemon told the parents who reside in Plumtree that their daughter would live under the custody of her aunt, Choice Mziki, who stays in Bulawayo.
This was after 44-year-old Charles Mziki had dragged his 21-year-old ex-wife, Precious Ncube to court seeking custody of their child after stating that Ncube was squandering money meant for the maintenance of the child.
In passing his judgement Philemon told Ncube and Mziki that an assessment report from a probation officer had shown that they were both unfit parents.
“The report by the probation officer has shown that you’re both unfit to be granted custody of the child. Ncube stays in a one roomed house with her boyfriend which makes her living conditions unsuitable.
“Mziki is a single man and he stays alone which makes him an unsuitable candidate. The child will remain with her aunt that she is staying with in Bulawayo. The mother is free to visit the child at any time,” he said.
Mziki who was customarily married to Ncube told the court that he was paying $50 per month towards the upkeep of the child but his ex-wife was spending the money on her needs.
He said Ncube last year dumped their daughter at his door step which forced him to take her to his sister.
Mziki and Ncube who got married in 2011 divorced in 2013 and the mother of the child was granted custody of the child while Mziki who was only allowed to see her during the weekend, was ordered to pay a $100 maintenance fee which was later reduced to $50.
Online Reporter