By Ivan Zhakata
HARARE – A Mutare businessman has offered $40 in alimony for the upkeep of his child after he was hauled before the Harare Civil Court by his ex-wife.
Robert Mukombe, who runs a transport company, a banana and coffee plantation, a garage, grocery shops, restaurants and bottle stores, has neglected his child, the court heard.
His ex-wife Karen Mateta was claiming $250 for the upkeep of their child saying Mukombe is failing to take care of them. She told magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti that Mukombe earns a lot of money from his businesses but neglects his family.
“He is a businessman and owns commuter omnibuses, a banana and coffee plantation, a garage, grocery shops, restaurants and bottle stores among others. He ferries bananas from Mutare to different outlets in Harare and earns more than $1 000 every month,” Mateta said.
“He only paid his child’s school fees once since he started going to school and does not even care about us.”
Mukombe denied owning the businesses and offered $40 for the child’s upkeep.
“I am currently not employed and the business she is referring to is not mine,” Mukombe said.
“It belongs to my father, and my brothers and uncles are the ones in charge of those businesses. I can only afford to pay $40 per month for the child.”
Muteta argued that the money was not enough since their child suffers from asthma attacks and needs regular medication. Magistrate Muchuchuti ordered Mukombe to pay $120. She said the court was not satisfied that Mukombe is not employed. Daily News
