Woman disappointed over maintenance review

Faith Mandizha

A mother of two left the court disappointed after it granted a downward in maintenance instead of the upward variation she sought.

Monica Nyemba’s efforts to get ex-husband, Itai Shone, to pay $200 000, up from $120 000 was turned down by Harare Civil Court magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini.

She instead ordered Shone to pay $40 000 and school fees before the beginning of each term.

“If he fails to pay fees and maintenance, please get a warrant of arrest or report him to the closest police station,” the magistrate said.

Monica was demanding an upward variation for their two kids aged 10 and five years.

“He hasn’t paid fees since 2020, and I have been struggling with the bills alone. I even have school fees arrears of $515 000.

“In 2019, he bought school uniforms once, and that was it. Since then, he never bought shoes, a school bag, or a pencil for the kids The young one needs US$40 per term for ECD and the older one US$15 per term since the fees increased,” she said.

Shone pleaded with the court, saying he could barely afford to pay the current fees because he lost his job in February last year.

“I only get part-time jobs from time-to-time and l asked her for custody of the children, but she is refusing.”