Ex-wife demands US$300 maintenance

By Blessing Rwizi

MUTARE – Failure to pay for his child’s school fees saw a Mutare man being dragged to court by his ex-wife.

Dunmore Chikombo, who is employed by one of the leading supermarkets in the city, was dragged by his ex-wife, Muchaneta Silver, praying for US$300 as maintenance for the 14-year-old child they sired together.

The parties appeared before Mrs Anne Ndiraya, who ordered him to pay US$80 as maintenance from January 31.

Silver told the court that Chikombo was contributing towards the child’s school fees and other needs. She said she was failing to pay for his school fees since he was now in secondary school.

She said she was an apprentice earning US$300 per month so she wanted the money to pay for the child’s school fees, which is US$518 per term. “I also need money for the child’s clothes, groceries and pay rentals besides school fees,” said Silver.

She further said Chikombo earns about US$600 per month so she wanted half of it. “He gets more money from piece jobs since he is an electrician,” she said. In response, Chikombo offered to pay only US$40 for the child.

He produced a payslip with a net salary of US$300 and said half of the salary goes to rentals. “I also have a wife and children to take care of so I can only afford US$40. US$150 goes towards rentals,” said Chikombo.

He further said he rarely gets piece jobs since he spends most of his time at work. Mrs Ndiraya ordered Chikombo to pay US$80 per month with effect from January 31 until the child is 18. Manica Post