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Former ZIFA President faces maintenance lawsuit
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Former ZIFA president, Gift Banda, is embroiled in a maintenance dispute after being accused by a South Africa-based Zimbabwean woman, Kholiwe Sitshoni, of failing to fulfill his parental responsibilities towards their 15-year-old daughter.
Sitshoni has approached the courts seeking to have Banda compelled to meet his obligations, alleging he owes US$9,150 in unpaid maintenance arrears. The outstanding amount reportedly dates back to 2023, when Banda was initially taken to court over the same issue.
A consent order issued by the Maintenance Court of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2014, under case number S21/09, had mandated Banda to pay US$150 per month in child support. Additionally, he had agreed to cover the child's school fees, transportation, and medical expenses as necessary.
Sitshoni has since sought a nullification of the original order, arguing that Banda remains in arrears and should be held accountable. The case, however, faced a setback as Banda was a no-show during the recent court hearing, reportedly due to a business trip to China. The matter has been postponed to March 18.
Sitshoni is also requesting an adjustment to the maintenance amount, stating that Banda is financially capable of providing better support. She cited his ability to purchase extravagant vehicles as evidence that he can afford higher maintenance payments.
During the court session, Sitshoni accused Banda of disregarding the rule of law and neglecting his responsibilities.
"He is neglectful of our daughter and very disrespectful of the rule of law. He deliberately ignores his obligations. He only pays when it suits him, he is never consistent and never says why he is failing to pay," she argued.
The presiding magistrate, Challenge Mahembe, advised Sitshoni to consider filing a criminal case against Banda, given the difficulties she has faced in securing payments. Sitshoni had reportedly traveled from South Africa specifically for the court proceedings.
This legal battle dates back to 2009 when Banda initially requested paternity tests before committing to maintenance payments. The court had ruled that until the tests were conducted, he was required to pay child support without fail and was also responsible for covering the cost of the tests.
The case continues to unfold, with the next hearing set for March 18.
Sitshoni has approached the courts seeking to have Banda compelled to meet his obligations, alleging he owes US$9,150 in unpaid maintenance arrears. The outstanding amount reportedly dates back to 2023, when Banda was initially taken to court over the same issue.
A consent order issued by the Maintenance Court of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2014, under case number S21/09, had mandated Banda to pay US$150 per month in child support. Additionally, he had agreed to cover the child's school fees, transportation, and medical expenses as necessary.
Sitshoni has since sought a nullification of the original order, arguing that Banda remains in arrears and should be held accountable. The case, however, faced a setback as Banda was a no-show during the recent court hearing, reportedly due to a business trip to China. The matter has been postponed to March 18.
Sitshoni is also requesting an adjustment to the maintenance amount, stating that Banda is financially capable of providing better support. She cited his ability to purchase extravagant vehicles as evidence that he can afford higher maintenance payments.
"He is neglectful of our daughter and very disrespectful of the rule of law. He deliberately ignores his obligations. He only pays when it suits him, he is never consistent and never says why he is failing to pay," she argued.
The presiding magistrate, Challenge Mahembe, advised Sitshoni to consider filing a criminal case against Banda, given the difficulties she has faced in securing payments. Sitshoni had reportedly traveled from South Africa specifically for the court proceedings.
This legal battle dates back to 2009 when Banda initially requested paternity tests before committing to maintenance payments. The court had ruled that until the tests were conducted, he was required to pay child support without fail and was also responsible for covering the cost of the tests.
The case continues to unfold, with the next hearing set for March 18.
Source - The Chronicle
