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Cynthia Dube, Court Reporter
A COURT has ordered a World Vision social worker to pay $350 maintenance after his wife told a magistrate that he was useless and irresponsible as he has failed to look after his children for the past 13 years.
The couple has three children after being married for 15 years and the wife lodged a $400 maintenance claim which the court reduced to $350.
Loyfox Chipalu appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Manasa Musiiwa after his wife Mrs Sehlule Chipalu reported that he has been neglecting their three children for the past 13 years.
“I want $400 so that I can manage to buy food, pay rent and schools fees for our children. I have been struggling to support these three children because their father is useless. I’m a businesswoman who raises $50 per month through buying and selling goods,” said Mrs Chipalu.
She told the court that her husband was an irresponsible father who does not care for his children. In defence, Chipalu told the court that he was surprised by his wife’s utterances.
“I’ve been married to my wife for more than 15 years and I support my family. I earn $880 a month. We pay $300 rentals. I was surprised when I was served with summons,” said Chipalu.
He said his wife dragged him to court so that she could get money to buy herself beer.
“I’m probably here because she is angry that I banned her from going out with her friends. She knew that if she used maintenance as a facade she would get money from me,” Chipalu said.
Mr Musiiwa ordered Chipalu to pay maintenance of $350 per month for the upkeep of their children.
“The respondent is hereby ordered to pay $350 per month as maintenance for three children effective this month until his children reach the age of 18 or become self-supportive. He will deposit the money into the applicant’s bank account,” said Mr Musiiwa. — @cynthiamthembo1
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