Man to pay $12k monthly maintenance to estranged wife

The High Court has ruled that businessman Murombo Josiah Mimana must pay his estranged wife Marvel Mtisi US$11,726 per month in maintenance, in addition to covering 80 percent of her legal costs, pending the finalisation of their divorce. The judgment, delivered on October 9, 2025, follows a determination that Mimana has the financial capacity to support his financially dependent spouse.

Justice Fatima Maxwell found that Mtisi, married to Mimana under an unregistered customary union, had demonstrated both financial dependency and "reasonable prospects of success" in the divorce proceedings.

"The application for maintenance pendente lite and contribution towards costs be and is hereby granted," the judge ruled. "Respondent must also contribute 80 percent of the applicant's legal costs to be determined at the conclusion of the matter."

Mtisi, mother of eight of Mimana's children, told the court that her husband abandoned the family home in March 2024. She stated that he had been paying US$20,000 monthly toward the family's upkeep until February 2025, when payments abruptly stopped. She also alleged that, despite holding a 50 percent stake in their jointly owned companies, she was excluded from managing the businesses.

Mtisi accused Mimana, 50, of using company funds as his "alter ego," noting that the businesses - which supply Jet A1 fuel at major airports and operate a lucrative mine - were more than capable of covering the family's expenses and her legal fees.

In his defence, Mimana denied personally making the US$20,000 payments, claiming they were made from a company account. He argued that the stoppage of funds did not cause hardship because he continued to pay for airfares and school fees for their children.

Justice Maxwell dismissed these objections, highlighting that Mtisi had no income apart from the monthly contribution and that Mimana maintained sole control over the companies. "The bottom line is that the applicant does not have any source of income except the contribution she was getting," the judge noted.

The court adjusted Mtisi's original maintenance claim of US$21,936, excluding certain items such as private transport, pocket money, car services, and tutoring costs, leaving a final figure of US$11,726 per month. The judge further found that Mimana was "in a position to contribute" either personally or through his company to cover Mtisi's legal fees.

A technical objection from Mimana regarding alleged defects in Mtisi's founding affidavit was also rejected, with the judge describing it as "a desperate attempt… to avoid going into the merits of the matter."

The ongoing dispute centres on the termination of a 24-year customary marriage and the division of extensive assets, including 44 fuel tankers, tipper trucks, commercial stands, and two companies operating in mining and fuel supply.

Mimana is required to begin payments from February 2025 and continue until the divorce case (HCHF 1566/25) is concluded.