The ManicaPost
Mercy Ngwebvu
A MUTARE woman last week dragged her husband to the civil courts demanding $400 for the maintenance of their five children whom she claimed he was neglecting.
Appearing before Mutare magistrate Mrs Yeukai Chigodora, Angeline Marara described her husband Lovemore Mutema as an irresponsible man who was evading his responsibilities as a father despite the fact that he earns enough to give their children a decent livelihood.
“Mutema is negligent and he is a problem when it comes to paying our children’s school fees as well as our rentals. I want him to give me $400 so that I can take good care of the children.
“He works at Border Timbers and earns enough to take care of the family, but he neglects the children,” said Marara.
Mutema on the other hand said $400 maintenance was too much considering that he has another wife who is expecting a child, though he is still staying with Marara.
“I still stay with Marara, but I now have another wife who is expecting a baby. $400 maintenance is too much for me, Your Worship. My net salary is $431 and if she gets all of it my other child will suffer because I don’t have any other source of income besides my monthly salary.
“I pledge to pay my children’s fees consistently so that we continue to live in peace. On top of that I will give her $150 as maintenance, not $400,” he said.
Mrs Chigodora finally settled for $250 for the sustenance of the five children.
