Macheso slapped with $7 000 maintenance

SUNGURA musician Alick Macheso's estranged wife, Tafadzwa Mapako, has filed a $7 130 monthly maintenance claim to take care of her needs and her two minor children.

Mapako, who is embroiled in an acrimonious divorce row with the musician, argues that her family had been accustomed to a high quality lifestyle and the $7 000 would go a long way in providing for the children's monthly needs.

The matter is set to be heard at the Harare Civil Court on May 13 2014.

In the maintenance claim filed by Hamunakwadi, Nyandoro and Nyambuya law firm on April 28 , Mapako stated that Macheso had not been supporting her and the two children since December last year.

"The respondent has neglected me and the children since December 2013 and has not been supporting me and the minor children of the marriage.

"My children are used to a high standard of living, which the respondent had introduced into their life, which I expect the respondent to continue.

"The respondent is in a position to pay maintenance in the sum of $7 130 per month.

"He is a renowned sungura musician, who earns high income from shows, sponsorships, and international tours…" she stated in her founding affidavit.

Mapako indicated that her family required groceries to the tune of $1 500 per month and $300 for a housemaid.

She is claiming $300 for the gardener.

Mapako is claiming clothing allowance amounting to $600 and $300 in fuel allowance.

The family wants $450 monthly for a driver and $600 in vehicle allowance and servicing.

She wants $750 for medication of her family and $550 for extra- curricular activities.

Telephone allowance has been pegged at $200 while rent, water and electricity bills are reportedly gobbling $1 100 per month.

Mapako wants Macheso to pay her $400 monthly for hair and beauty therapy.

She stated in her application that Macheso barred her from going to work when they were customarily married four years ago.

"I am currently not employed as the time I was living with the respondent, he denied me going to work stating that he would provide anything that I needed and that he would also take care of our children," she said.

Mapako said her son Alick Macheso (Junior) was of ill health and he required special medication while the other one Allexin was still an infant that also requires medical attention.

"Alick Macheso Junior has been very sick of late and needs medical treatment.
"He is asthmatic and anaemic and the doctor has recommended that he should be tested for sickle-fell and cancer, pneumatic anemia of recurring infection.

"I also have to state that Allexin Macheso is still an infant and requires consistent attention of a paediatrician coupled with clinical infant requirements," she said.

Meanwhile, Mapako's lawyers have dismissed as false media reports that their client had deliberately failed to go for DNA paternity tests.

In a letter to Macheso's lawyers dated May 5 2014, Hamunakwadi, Nyandoro and Nyambuya Legal Practitioners said their client was in Mutare and the invitation was communicated to the lawyers on the eleventh hour.

The lawyers said Mapako was prepared and willing to go for tests, preferably at the Blood Transfusion Service of Zimbabwe.

"However, our client instructs us that she is willing and more than ready to go for DNA paternity tests.

"She prefers the DNA tests to be done through the Blood Transfusion Service of Zimbabwe as she stated in our earlier meeting.

"Kindly advise us when you have booked for an appointment at the Blood Transfusion Service of Zimbabwe so that she can attend the same," reads part of the letter.