Vendor says he makes only US$1 profit a day

Prosper Dembedza Court Reporter
A vendor recently told a Harare Civil Court magistrate that he was unable to pay US$150 per month maintenance for his child because he was realising only US$1 per day as profit.

Innocent Chimbamu said he was willing to contribute US$30 per month for the upkeep of his child whom he sired with ex-wife Marvelous Sakumo who was demanding US$150.

“He is not contributing anything towards his child, leaving the burden on me,” she said

Sakumo told magistrate Mr Tafadzwa Muvhami that Chimbamu’s vending business was profitable as she used to jointly operate it with him.

Chimbamu refuted the claim that his business was very profitable, saying he was getting US$1 per day as profit.

“I cannot afford to pay the money she is claiming because I am just a fruit vendor,” he said, while offering the US$30 per month.

“I have a family and four other children whom I am paying schools fees for, so if I am to give her that amount my family will suffer,” Chimbamu said.

Mr Muvhami ordered Chimbamu to pay US$60 per month for the upkeep of his child starting November 30.