News / Local
Man abandons family for 13 years, offers $20
03 Feb 2014 at 16:08hrs | Views
A security guard who reportedly dumped his wife and four children for 13 years resurfaced at the Maintenance Court on Friday pledging $20 for the upkeep of his youngest child.
Margret Tavengwa broke down as she narrated how her estranged husband, Fanuel Charlie, abandoned them in 2001.
She pleaded with magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure to compel Charlie to pay her $395 maintenance.
"Your Worship, this man left me in 2001 with four children and I have been struggling with them alone. I have managed to sell vegetables and take care of my children who are now over 18 years except for one who needs fees as I am failing to raise the money," said Tavengwa.
"I am not asking much from this man who has neglected us for this long but for him to help me pay fees for our youngest child. He married another woman and has a minor child with her."
In his response Charlie said he could not afford to pay what Tavengwa was claiming given his salary.
"I am earning less than what she is claiming and I can only pay her $20 since I have other responsibilities. I also have another child and a wife and have to send groceries to my rural home monthly," he said.
"I wish I could do more but I can only afford $20 for the upkeep of our youngest child."
Magistrate Mashavakure shot down Charlie's $20 offer and ordered him to pay her $80.
"You cannot offer $20 for the upkeep of your child. It is rather unreasonable. You are ordered to pay maintenance for your minor child in the sum of $80 with effect from February 2014 until he reaches the age of 18 or until he is able to fend for himself," she said.
Margret Tavengwa broke down as she narrated how her estranged husband, Fanuel Charlie, abandoned them in 2001.
She pleaded with magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure to compel Charlie to pay her $395 maintenance.
"Your Worship, this man left me in 2001 with four children and I have been struggling with them alone. I have managed to sell vegetables and take care of my children who are now over 18 years except for one who needs fees as I am failing to raise the money," said Tavengwa.
"I am not asking much from this man who has neglected us for this long but for him to help me pay fees for our youngest child. He married another woman and has a minor child with her."
In his response Charlie said he could not afford to pay what Tavengwa was claiming given his salary.
"I am earning less than what she is claiming and I can only pay her $20 since I have other responsibilities. I also have another child and a wife and have to send groceries to my rural home monthly," he said.
"I wish I could do more but I can only afford $20 for the upkeep of our youngest child."
Magistrate Mashavakure shot down Charlie's $20 offer and ordered him to pay her $80.
"You cannot offer $20 for the upkeep of your child. It is rather unreasonable. You are ordered to pay maintenance for your minor child in the sum of $80 with effect from February 2014 until he reaches the age of 18 or until he is able to fend for himself," she said.
Source - chronicle
