adminMercy Ngwebvu
A MUTARE woman last week approached the civil courts with confidence demanding $500 maintenance from her husband only to be disappointed when she found out that her husband’s net salary was less than $300. After having the confidence-bubble busted, she was granted only $150 by the magistrate. Svodai Mapfunde appeared before Mutare magistrate Mrs Yeukai Chigodora demanding $500 from her husband John Nderere.
“My husband works at Wattle Company and earns more than $600, but he has not been taking care of our seven children. I am not employed and am taking care of seven children single-handedly. This is virtually impossible,” Svodai told the court.
Asked why he was not performing his duties as a father, Nderere said he had not been paid in 10 months.
Said Nderere: “First, I do not earn over $600 per month, Your Worship. I take home only $245. The school fees arrears being talked about are not true because I have been paying the school fees consistently. And to make matters worse, I have not received my salary for 10 months now, and the going has been tough.
“I can only part with $150 for the upkeep of my children. This court should also consider that I have another child who stays in Zimunya with the mother.”
Asked how she had come to the conclusion that her husband earns over $600, Svodai told the court how she found out.
“I took his payslip and added the figures I saw there and I found out that he earns a lot of money. I even have the payslip if you want to see it,” she said.
“It is so sad that you misdirected yourself so badly. Your husband does not even earn more than $300. Because of that, the court is hereby ordering him to pay $150 as maintenance for your children with effect from the 30th of this month.
“Even though he may not be getting his salary, the maintenance money will be garnished from his employer,” said Mrs Chigodora.
Online Reporter