adminMathew Masinge
A WOMAN got four companies and a fishing boat, among a number of properties, as part of a divorce settlement.
Florence Sibanda, nee Mugomba, also has a chance to buy out her ex-husband, Thandazani Sibanda, out of two stands in Binga and Kariba.
The couple’s marriage of 26 years ended after Thandazani left Florence, and their three children, for another woman.
Thandazani moved out of their Waterfalls matrimonial home in December 2019.
This led Florence to seek a decree of divorce for their customary union at the High Court.
Three children were born out of their marriage.
During the subsistence of their marriage, the pair set up four businesses — Thaflow Industrial Suppliers (1998), Zimroads Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd (1999), Civil Works Laboratory (Pvt) Ltd (2001) and SibThand Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd (2001).
The companies contributed to the purchase of four properties in Waterfalls, Glen Norah (Harare), Old Pumula and Nkulumane (Bulawayo).
In addition, the couple acquired five boats that were used for commercial fishing in Kariba.
In the settlement, Thandazani awarded all the companies to his ex-wife.
After deliberations, High Court Judge Justice Fatima Maxwell granted the decree of divorce and also ordered Thandazani to pay US$5 000 in costs.
The judge referred the two to the maintenance court for the upkeep of one minor child.
“A decree of divorce be and is hereby granted.
“Florence and Thandazani be and are hereby awarded a 50 percent share each in House Number 2220, Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare.
“Florence will remain in occupation of House Number 2220, Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare until the minor child reaches the age of 18 years,” ruled Justice Maxwell.
She also ruled that after the child turns 18, the Waterfalls house will be disposed of with parties getting equal share each.
“The house is to be valued by a valuer agreed to by the parties within 30 days of the minor child attaining the age of 18 years.
“Florence shall have the first option to buy out Thandazani from the property within six months of the date of receipt of the valuation report,” reads the judgment.
They agreed that only three boats were up for distribution with each party getting one while also agreeing to sell the third one to get an equal share.
Online Reporter