Man provides two loaves of bread for child support

A BULAWAYO man only provides two loaves of bread per month for his four-year-old son, his girlfriend claimed in court yesterday.

Linda Moyo told Bulawayo magistrate Victor Mpofu that claiming maintenance was her last option as she had failed to have a healthy conversation with her boyfriend, Percy Dhlamini.

"This man only brings us bread for food. Although I appreciate the gesture, the child still needs to eat properly and have clothes," Moyo said.

"I've also failed to talk to him several times as he always shouts on the phone or ignores me. I need him to pay $100 for our child who does not only eat bread but needs other things."

Dhlamini accused Moyo of being selfish and failing to appreciate the good he had done for her, the Chronicle reported.

"I've always provided for my child and his mother although I've another wife and child. This woman got pregnant with my child knowing very well that I was married," he said.

"It was a mistake and I admit but she has to be grateful and stop listening to her friends who influenced her to claim maintenance from me."

Moyo interrupted and the two had a harsh exchange of words for some minutes.

"Why do you say that I'm selfish when you know you only provide if I request you to? You've failed to provide for your son and that's why you're here today. We're going to be evicted soon and since he's failing to maintain his child, we will be homeless," she added.

Dhlamini shot back:  "If you have problems taking care of my child, feel free and take him to my parents. They will be more than willing to take care of him. You should grow up and get a job but now that you have been listening to people, you should go to them for help."

Magistrate Mpofu ordered Dhlamini to pay $50 maintenance with effect from this month.