Online Reporter
Sharon Jiyamwa
Herald Reporter
A HARARE woman’s claim for US$1 796 per month for the upkeep of her three children was turned down by a magistrate after the requested amount was deemed excessively lavish.
Ms Rejoice Svikiro appeared before Harare Civil Court magistrate Ms Janemary Makonye seeking a maintenance order against her ex-husband, Lovemore Chidanamabwe, for their 13-year-old child and seven-year-old twins.
Ms Svikiro told the court that Chidanamabwe, who earns a living by selling residential stands, had failed to contribute financially towards the children’s upkeep since the couple separated. She said her monthly income of US$150 from vending was insufficient to cover the family’s basic living expenses.
Presenting her budget to the court, Ms Svikiro said she required US$756 for school fees, US$300 for school uniforms, US$200 for food, US$150 for casual clothing, US$110 for unforeseen necessities and US$50 for medical expenses.
Magistrate Makonye expressed concern over the breakdown of the claim, and questioned the family’s standard of living before the marriage ended.
The magistrate described some of the expenses as extravagant, and asked Ms Svikiro to explain the lifestyle the family had enjoyed while the couple was still together.
Ms Svikiro said they had previously lived comfortably when she was employed by a non-governmental organisation, but her contract ended when the organisation ceased operations.
The court heard that Chidanamabwe had no other children and that his current wife was his only other legal dependent.
Although Chidanamabwe was absent from court, Magistrate Makonye confirmed that he had been properly served with the summons.
After considering the matter, Magistrate Makonye ordered Chidanamabwe to pay US$150, or its equivalent in ZiG, per month for the maintenance of the three children, in addition to 50 percent of each child’s school fees.
The court ordered that the maintenance payments take effect at the end of this month and remain in force until the children attain the age of 18 or become self-supporting.
