Former MDC-T MP wants maintenance reduced from $400 to $180

EX-Chitungwiza South MP Misheck Shoko (MDC-T) has approached the courts to have his maintenance payments reduced arguing he was a little lighter in the pocket following the dissolution of Parliament on June 29.

The ex-legislator was ordered to pay $300 towards the upkeep of his children and $100 for school fees in October last year after separating from his wife, Martha Mabugu.

But on Wednesday he returned to the court seeking a variation of the order to US$180 saying his circumstances had changed following the dissolution of Parliament.

"It is common knowledge that when Parliament dissolved my position was also affected and my salary ceased forthwith," he said in the application.

"Since the dissolution, my situation has changed drastically leaving me with no means to continue paying maintenance."

Shoko also argued that his estranged wife was occupying one of his two houses and should realise income from the property.

Mabugu however said Shoko owned four houses instead of the two he claimed.

"The US$60 he is offering for each child is insufficient. It is a responsibility for both parents to look after their children."

Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta deferred the matter to Thursday to allow the former legislator to bring to court proof of his earnings.

Shoko was elected Chitungwiza South MP in 2008. He also served as the town's mayor before being sacked by local government minister Ignatius Chombo in 2002.