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Man's child maintenance reduced from US$300 to US$50
2 hrs ago | Views
A Harare man who was previously paying US$300 per month in child maintenance will now pay US$50, after Harare Civil Court Magistrate Ms Faina Makumbe granted his application for a downward variation.
Mr Sidney Sixpants told the court that he could not attend the original maintenance hearing due to illness. He said he had been involved in an accident that left him with injuries to his arm, leg, and head, and that he is currently unable to work as he continues to recover.
"I could not make it to court because I was very ill. Tadyanai proceeded with the matter even after I told her I was admitted in hospital," Mr Sixpants explained. "I am still healing, I do not go to work at the moment, I can give her US$50."
His ex-partner, Ms Mercy Tadyanai, opposed the application, arguing that US$50 would be insufficient to cover their child's school fees, medical bills, and clothing. She added that despite her own medical condition, she continues to work as a cashier earning US$198 at Lucky Chicken, with most of her earnings going toward rent.
"US$50 is not enough. I am actually sacrificing right now. I, too, have a medical condition, but I know my child needs to be taken care of, hence I still go to work," she said.
After considering both sides, Magistrate Makumbe ruled in favour of Mr Sixpants, ordering him to pay US$50 per month starting from September 30. She advised Ms Tadyanai that she could return to court for a review of the maintenance order once Mr Sixpants resumes work.
Mr Sidney Sixpants told the court that he could not attend the original maintenance hearing due to illness. He said he had been involved in an accident that left him with injuries to his arm, leg, and head, and that he is currently unable to work as he continues to recover.
"I could not make it to court because I was very ill. Tadyanai proceeded with the matter even after I told her I was admitted in hospital," Mr Sixpants explained. "I am still healing, I do not go to work at the moment, I can give her US$50."
"US$50 is not enough. I am actually sacrificing right now. I, too, have a medical condition, but I know my child needs to be taken care of, hence I still go to work," she said.
After considering both sides, Magistrate Makumbe ruled in favour of Mr Sixpants, ordering him to pay US$50 per month starting from September 30. She advised Ms Tadyanai that she could return to court for a review of the maintenance order once Mr Sixpants resumes work.
Source - The Herald
