Woman gets US$70 maintenance

Gamuchirai Bhachi

A Harare woman took her ex-husband to court demanding $350 000 maintenance for the upkeep of their two children.

Auxilia Fianda said her ex-husband, Wilbert Fianda, had turned his back on their minor children.

Magistrate Sharon Mashavira granted Auxilia US$70 plus school fees.

Auxilia told the court that since their divorce, Wilbert had not been providing for the needs of his children.

“We separated recently and he is not paying for our two children’s school fees and other needs.

“As a principal of a private school, he is aware that the money is paid as soon as schools are opened, but he hasn’t paid,” said Auxilia.

Wilbert said he is a mere teacher at the private school, not the principal, and as a result he can only afford school fees for their children.

“I am a teacher not the principal and I can only afford school fees for our two children plus US$50 because I have two other biological children I look after,” said Wilbert .

Magistrate Mashavira asked Auxilia why she said Wilbert is the school principal, and she failed to prove her testimony.

Wilbert also told the court that they had an agreement with Auxilia that he would pay fees at a Government school.