Court slashes Macheso maintenance

By Tendai Kamhungira

HARARE – Sungura maestro Alick Macheso yesterday won a downward variation of maintenance towards the upkeep of his two children with his ex-wife Tafadzwa Mapako.

The court has slashed the monthly payout from $750 to $450.

Macheso applied for the reduction, claiming that his financial position had deteriorated.

Through his lawyer Norman Mugiya, Macheso wanted the amount reduced to $300.

In May, magistrate Tafadzwa Muvhami ordered Macheso to pay $750 for the upkeep of two children Alick (Junior) and Manisha, while Mapako was granted $280.

In yesterday’s ruling, Muvhami said he was convinced that Macheso’s financial position had changed.

“The court takes judicial notice that the music business has been significantly affected by piracy,” he said, adding that Macheso was not an exception.

He said the music industry was a matter of luck and fortune, making it impossible for Macheso to sustain the $750 monthly payment. He also noted that Macheso’s last album Kwatakabva Mitunhu poorly performed on the market.

Muvhami said both parents had an obligation to look after the children.

Macheso will pay the $450 with effect from the end of this month.

His lawyer expressed satisfaction with the ruling.

“The order granted by the court is very fair in my view.  We are satisfied with the order and my client will comply with it in total,” he said.

Asked if he was bitter considering that his client wanted the amount reduced to $300, Mugiya said.

“These are rules of bargaining. The judgment of the court is very competent and it explains why it (court) has arrived at the figure and the reasons are understandable.” Daily News