The Harare Civil Court has ordered a pensioner to pay US$120 monthly for his four children.
Magistrate Janemary Makonye issued the order after hearing a maintenance case involving Beauty Mumbai and Wonder Chiguvare.
Mumbai had approached the court seeking US$550 every month for the children.
The children are aged 16, 12, 10 and three.
Mother says family struggled financially
Mumbai told the court that Chiguvare had failed to provide adequate support for the family.
As a result, she said she had carried most household expenses alone for an extended period.
She also revealed that financial problems had affected the children’s education.
According to her evidence, one child had dropped out of school because the family could not afford the costs.
However, Chiguvare disputed the amount requested by his wife.
He offered US$40 monthly towards maintenance and school fees instead.
The pensioner said his financial position prevented him from paying the larger amount.
Chiguvare told the court that he receives only US$55 monthly as a pension.
He also said he is battling an HIV-related illness.
Pensioner says he cannot afford more
During the proceedings, Chiguvare made allegations concerning his health condition and his wife.
He alleged that he contracted the virus from Mumbai.
He further accused her of having undisclosed health problems and using medication without telling him.
Chiguvare also told the court that he was preparing to file for divorce.
Despite his circumstances, he said he would support his children if his health allowed him to work.
However, the court ultimately ordered him to pay US$120 each month.
The payment will continue until each child turns 18 or becomes self-supporting.
Magistrate Makonye therefore rejected the pensioner’s proposed US$40 monthly contribution.
The ruling means Chiguvare must contribute more towards the children’s ongoing needs.
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