Woman's US$1 796 maintenance claim rejected

A Harare woman's claim for US$1 796 in monthly maintenance for her three children has been rejected after a magistrate ruled that the amount was excessive.

Rejoice Svikiro appeared before Harare magistrate Makonye Janemary seeking a maintenance order against her former husband, Lovemore Chidanamabwe, for their 13-year-old child and seven-year-old twins.

Svikiro told the court that Chidanamabwe, who earns a living selling residential stands, had failed to contribute towards the children's upkeep since the couple separated.

She said her monthly income of about US$150 from street vending was insufficient to meet the children's basic needs without additional financial support.

Svikiro told the court that she required US$756 for school fees, US$300 for school uniforms, US$200 for food, US$150 for casual clothing, US$110 for unforeseen expenses and US$50 for medical costs.

Magistrate Janemary asked Svikiro to explain the lifestyle the family had enjoyed before the breakdown of the marriage.

Svikiro said the family had previously lived comfortably while she was employed by a non-governmental organisation, but her contract ended after the organisation ceased operations.

The court heard that Chidanamabwe has no other children and that his current wife is his only other dependent.

Chidanamabwe was not present in court when the matter was heard.

Magistrate Janemary ordered him to pay US$150, or its equivalent in ZiG, every month towards the upkeep of the three children.

He was also ordered to meet 50 percent of each child's school fees.

The maintenance order will take effect at the end of this month and will remain in force until the children reach the age of 18 or become financially self-supporting.