Magistrate orders DNA test in soldier's child maintenance dispute

A Harare magistrate has ordered a DNA test to determine the paternity of a seven-month-old baby at the centre of a maintenance dispute between a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldier and his former partner.

The directive was issued after Rutendo Kalinda approached the Harare Civil Court seeking US$100 per month from her former partner to cover the child's essentials, including food, nappies, clothing and toys. Kalinda told the court she was simply asking for support necessary to give her child "a healthy start in life."

The respondent, Mark Shambare, a serving member of the ZNA, said he could only afford US$25 a month, citing significant financial strain. He explained that from his gross monthly earnings of US$250 plus ZiG 2 000, a substantial portion was being deducted to service a loan. He also told the court he has four other children with his wife, supports his parents, pays rent and is currently studying.

Shambare said he had initially been providing for the child, but stopped after receiving a message from Kalinda suggesting that the baby was not his. Kalinda admitted sending the message but said it was written in a moment of emotion and did not reflect the truth.

Presiding Magistrate Hannah Fazilahamed ruled that the matter could only proceed once paternity was scientifically verified. She ordered that a DNA test be conducted within three months and granted a temporary maintenance order requiring Shambare to pay US$30 plus ZiG 700 per month for the next three months, pending the test results.

The final maintenance ruling will be made after paternity is confirmed.