Sangoma offers to pay $10 maintenance for his two minor children

A polygamous inyanga with three wives from Bulawayo's Old Lobengula suburb has stunned the Bulawayo Maintenance Court by offering to pay $10 monthly for his two minor children.

Shadreck Sibanda told Bulawayo magistrate Victor Mpofu on Tuesday that he was taking care of 10 children and was ill hence he could not pay the $100 that his second wife was demanding.

"Your honour I am a sickling and have stopped healing people as I am no longer fit.

"I cannot afford to pay that amount because I have eight other children who need my assistance," said Sibanda.

He added: "In fact I am not sure of the paternity of the second child because I once caught her with another man three years ago. We have to go for a paternity test to prove that I am the father of the second child."

In response, his wife, Memory Mzezewa rubbished Sibanda's assertions saying his traditional healing sessions were giving him a lot of money especially during holidays.

"This man is lying your honour, he is not sick and he is capable of fending for all his children.

"He is also abusive and the only thing I want from him is money for the welfare of his children.

"I think we should go for the test and shame him because his child resembles him. This man should grow up and act like a true inyanga," said Mzezewa.

Mpofu ordered Sibanda to pay $75 monthly explaining to him that no normal child could live on $10 per month.