News / National
Man leaves court in stitches after offering US$1,42 as maintenance
24 Jul 2013 at 22:19hrs | Views
A Chitungwiza man left the court in stitches on Wednesday when he offered US$1,42 per month per child to his wife for the upkeep of their seven minor children.
Nikira Nhete of Unit K was brought before Chitungwiza Civil Court by his
wife of 17 years, Shorai Zavare, claiming US$350 for maintenance.
In her claim, Zavare stated that her husband was spending his money on girlfriends and failing to look after his family.
Their children's ages range from two to 13 years.
"Respondent is a womaniser who does not fend for his family. He does not pay school fees for six children who are all in primary school.
"Besides, he collects rentals from his stand while I am renting a single room with the children," she said.
In his response, Nhete said he could not afford to pay maintenance because he was unemployed. "I cannot afford the amount being claimed since I am unemployed, but can offer US$10.
"I used to sustain them through money from rentals, but can no longer manage.
"I was given a notice where I was staying and will be moving into our house," he said.
Zavare hit back claiming that he had a car that he hires out. But Nhete maintained that he could not afford since he does not have a driver's licence, so can not drive it.
"The car is also not licensed. The applicant is a breadwinner to our family and I cannot offer anything as I survive by chance," said Nhete.
However, Zavare refuted the claim saying her husband was lying about the state of the vehicle.
She argued that he was using it to transport people's wares and was staying in a single room.
Zavare told the court that although she was employed by council, she was not getting paid and was failing to fend for the children.
After hearing evidence from both parties, presiding magistrate Ms Nomsa Sabarauta ruled that Nhete was showing unwillingness to fend for his children.
"While I appreciate that the economy is difficult, respondent cannot surely offer US$10 for his seven children as it translates to US$1,42 per child.
"You are well dressed and have a home that you realise rentals from and the car. You are to pay US$150 for maintenance and US$367 for school fees while applicant is to look for the other outstanding amount," Ms Sabarauta said.
Nikira Nhete of Unit K was brought before Chitungwiza Civil Court by his
wife of 17 years, Shorai Zavare, claiming US$350 for maintenance.
In her claim, Zavare stated that her husband was spending his money on girlfriends and failing to look after his family.
Their children's ages range from two to 13 years.
"Respondent is a womaniser who does not fend for his family. He does not pay school fees for six children who are all in primary school.
"Besides, he collects rentals from his stand while I am renting a single room with the children," she said.
In his response, Nhete said he could not afford to pay maintenance because he was unemployed. "I cannot afford the amount being claimed since I am unemployed, but can offer US$10.
"I was given a notice where I was staying and will be moving into our house," he said.
Zavare hit back claiming that he had a car that he hires out. But Nhete maintained that he could not afford since he does not have a driver's licence, so can not drive it.
"The car is also not licensed. The applicant is a breadwinner to our family and I cannot offer anything as I survive by chance," said Nhete.
However, Zavare refuted the claim saying her husband was lying about the state of the vehicle.
She argued that he was using it to transport people's wares and was staying in a single room.
Zavare told the court that although she was employed by council, she was not getting paid and was failing to fend for the children.
After hearing evidence from both parties, presiding magistrate Ms Nomsa Sabarauta ruled that Nhete was showing unwillingness to fend for his children.
"While I appreciate that the economy is difficult, respondent cannot surely offer US$10 for his seven children as it translates to US$1,42 per child.
"You are well dressed and have a home that you realise rentals from and the car. You are to pay US$150 for maintenance and US$367 for school fees while applicant is to look for the other outstanding amount," Ms Sabarauta said.
Source - Herald
