Pastor accused of child neglect

A Chitungwiza woman told the court yesterday that her ex-husband, who is a businessman and a pastor with the United Family International Church (UFIC), has been neglecting their child for the past eight years.

This emerged at the Chitungwiza Civil Court where Blessing Bwowa was claiming $150 from Ignatious Songere for the upkeep of their eight-year-old child.

Bwowa told the court that apart from being a pastor, Songere ran a milling company and a grocery store at Chikwanha shopping centre, but had never provided anything towards the upkeep of their child.

"He is a businessman with a grinding mill and a grocery store. He realizes around $1 200 per month, but has never provided anything for the welfare of his child," she said.

The couple separated years ago.

Songere, however, stunned the court when he told magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa that he would give her only $20 which he said would be enough to buy food, clothing and pay school fees for the child.