News / National
Woman screams and weeps over maintenance in court
22 Oct 2015 at 06:43hrs | Views
COURT proceedings at the Harare Civil Court came to a standstill after a woman screamed and wept in protest at the "paltry" $10 offered by her husband as maintenance for their four children.
Rumbidzai Urayayi, who was demanding $600 for the upkeep of the four children, could not hold her tears after her husband, Thomas Mundondo, offered $2,50 per child.
Urayayi had to be escorted by a police officer outside the court to cool down for the court to proceed with other matters and was later recalled for continuation of her case.
She told magistrate Audrey Tarugarira that her husband was a businessman with three shops at Siyaso Home Industry in Mbare, among other businesses.
"The money he is offering is not enough because he has since stopped coming to my house and he accuses me of being a witch," Urayayi said.
"I want $600 for our four children because I know he is able to foot the bill considering his businesses. He is also into timber selling and realises an average of $100 everyday," she said.
Urayayi told the court that Mundondo was in a habit of assaulting and accusing her of witchcraft, adding she can no longer fend for their children since she has become weak from Mundondo's abuse.
Mundondo, who offered $10, argued that he is not formally employed and survives through collecting used pallets for resale realising $150 per month.
He also told the court that besides these four children, he has five others with his first wife who need his support.
"That is the money I can afford to pay considering the nature of my job because I do not want to be arrested for failing to pay," Mundondo said.
"We live together with the applicant so I will be taking care of other expenses and I will also be providing everything for the children so $10 is enough," he added.
Mrs Tarugarira ordered Urayayi to bring proof that Mundondo owned shops before postponing the matter to tomorrow for trial continuation.
Rumbidzai Urayayi, who was demanding $600 for the upkeep of the four children, could not hold her tears after her husband, Thomas Mundondo, offered $2,50 per child.
Urayayi had to be escorted by a police officer outside the court to cool down for the court to proceed with other matters and was later recalled for continuation of her case.
She told magistrate Audrey Tarugarira that her husband was a businessman with three shops at Siyaso Home Industry in Mbare, among other businesses.
"The money he is offering is not enough because he has since stopped coming to my house and he accuses me of being a witch," Urayayi said.
"I want $600 for our four children because I know he is able to foot the bill considering his businesses. He is also into timber selling and realises an average of $100 everyday," she said.
Urayayi told the court that Mundondo was in a habit of assaulting and accusing her of witchcraft, adding she can no longer fend for their children since she has become weak from Mundondo's abuse.
Mundondo, who offered $10, argued that he is not formally employed and survives through collecting used pallets for resale realising $150 per month.
He also told the court that besides these four children, he has five others with his first wife who need his support.
"That is the money I can afford to pay considering the nature of my job because I do not want to be arrested for failing to pay," Mundondo said.
"We live together with the applicant so I will be taking care of other expenses and I will also be providing everything for the children so $10 is enough," he added.
Mrs Tarugarira ordered Urayayi to bring proof that Mundondo owned shops before postponing the matter to tomorrow for trial continuation.
Source - the herald
