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Man ordered to pay US$100 monthly in child maintenance
4 hrs ago |
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A HARARE magistrate has ordered Itai Chikepe to pay US$100 per month in child maintenance, rejecting his claims of financial hardship and dismissing his offer of US$60 as insufficient to support his two children.
Chikepe appeared before the Harare Civil Court following an application by his former partner, Deliwe Shana, who had sought US$200 per month for the care of their children, aged 17 and 14. Magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed ruled that Chikepe's declared monthly income of US$30 from vending was not credible, given his admitted responsibilities to other dependents.
The court heard that the children face significant educational expenses, with the eldest preparing for Ordinary Level examinations and the younger child having recently started Form 1. Shana argued that rising costs necessitated increased support.
Chikepe stated that he was unable to meet his obligations after losing his previous job and that he now sells tomatoes and airtime in Gweru, where he relocated to reduce living costs. He also claimed that Shana unilaterally moved the children to a private school charging US$240 per term, which he said was unsustainable.
Shana defended the school choice, alleging that the previous institution lacked basic standards. She also accused Chikepe of inconsistent payments and unfulfilled promises, which forced her to cover school fees alone.
The proceedings revealed broader family disputes, including Chikepe's claims that he is being denied access to the children and questioning the paternity of the younger child. Magistrate Fazilahmed noted that such issues should be addressed in a separate maintenance hearing.
In her ruling, Fazilahmed ordered Chikepe to pay US$100 monthly and cover 50% of school-related costs. She further advised him to seek better-paying employment to fulfill his responsibilities, noting that he has five children to support.
Chikepe appeared before the Harare Civil Court following an application by his former partner, Deliwe Shana, who had sought US$200 per month for the care of their children, aged 17 and 14. Magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed ruled that Chikepe's declared monthly income of US$30 from vending was not credible, given his admitted responsibilities to other dependents.
The court heard that the children face significant educational expenses, with the eldest preparing for Ordinary Level examinations and the younger child having recently started Form 1. Shana argued that rising costs necessitated increased support.
Chikepe stated that he was unable to meet his obligations after losing his previous job and that he now sells tomatoes and airtime in Gweru, where he relocated to reduce living costs. He also claimed that Shana unilaterally moved the children to a private school charging US$240 per term, which he said was unsustainable.
Shana defended the school choice, alleging that the previous institution lacked basic standards. She also accused Chikepe of inconsistent payments and unfulfilled promises, which forced her to cover school fees alone.
The proceedings revealed broader family disputes, including Chikepe's claims that he is being denied access to the children and questioning the paternity of the younger child. Magistrate Fazilahmed noted that such issues should be addressed in a separate maintenance hearing.
In her ruling, Fazilahmed ordered Chikepe to pay US$100 monthly and cover 50% of school-related costs. She further advised him to seek better-paying employment to fulfill his responsibilities, noting that he has five children to support.
Source - Newsday
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