Woman threatens to drop child out of school over maintenance

A BULAWAYO woman yesterday threatened to withdraw her child from school after the Maintenance Court rejected to review her maintenance upwards.

Senny Katura pleaded for an increase in maintenance saying the amount that was being paid by her estranged boyfriend, Aaron Musa was too little.

The couple appeared before magistrate Sheunesu Matova who rejected Katura's plea to increase her maintenance by $60 a month so that she could be paid $100.

Matova said nothing had changed in Musa's salary to warrant an upward variation.

"An increment in salary is key to upward variation of maintenance and in this case facts before the court indicate that there hasn't been any increment. The application for upward variation of maintenance is therefore dismissed," said Matova.

He urged the couple to first communicate with each other before engaging the courts as it was in the best interests of the child.

"You should first discuss the matter before coming to courts. You're the ones who know what is best for the child. As the court we're here to just assist you," said Matova.

After her plea was dismissed Katura theatened to withdraw her child from school.

"If that's the case I will remove her from school. She'd rather stay at home because $40 is useless. I'm supposed to pay the child's fees, buy her clothes and food. With a mere $40, I can't do that. How is that posssibe? At least if he raises the amount to $100 things will be reasonable," she said.

Katura said when they first approached the courts Musa was ordered to pay $40 for groceries and other items while he also paid fees for the child.

"When we approached this court it was said that he will pay $40 for other items such as groceries and also pay fees but he hasn't done that. He only gives us $40. He doesn't pay fees that is why I need the money to be reviewed upwards," said Katura.

Musa interjected saying the court ordered him to pay $40 for all expenses including the child's fees.

"I never said I will pay anything besides the $40 that was agreed at this court. Not even fees but just the $40," said Musa.

His argument was supported by Matova who said there were no documents to support Katura's claims.