UK based lawyer scuffles with ex in Harare

A United Kingdom-based lawyer, who was claiming $3 000 monthly maintenance from a Harare businessman, caused commotion after the court awarded her $500 for the upkeep of their 14-year-old child.

Ruvimbo Jacqueline Pfumojena, who was not happy with the court’s ruling, was involved in a scuffle with her former husband Sydney Farirai. People abandoned their business to witness the exchange between Ms Pfumojena and Mr Farirai.

Ms Pfumojena was picked up and detained by police officers while Mr Farirai and his lawyer left the court premises. She told policemen that she reacted that way because Mr Farirai mocked her saying she was left with an egg on her face after court proceedings.

Ms Pfumojena was later taken to resident magistrate Mr Brighton Pabwe’s office where she was warned and cautioned. She had applied for $3 000 monthly maintenance from Mr Farirai, owner of Bobby Fuel and Transport, but the court reduced the amount to $500. Ms Pfumojena has British citizenship.

She told the court that she earns $5 000 per month and is currently staying with her teenage son in the UK.

“Your worship, Mr Farirai is a man of means who owns a vast business empire and can afford to pay this amount. He has never contributed towards the upkeep of his child for the past 14 years and the child is now in year 10, an equivalent of Zimbabwe’s Form 3,” she said.

Ms Pfumojena said although the boy is attending a non-fee school, he has Zimbabwean citizenship and doesn’t enjoy that benefit. Mr Farirai, who was represented by his lawyer, Mrs Fadzai Maenzanise, had offered $200.