Magistrate Slashes Monthly Maintenance From US$300 To US$50, Ex-Lover Outraged

Ex-Lover Fumes As Maintenance Slashed To US$50 In Harare Court

A Harare man who had been paying US$300 (about R5,000) in monthly child maintenance has secured a reduction to US$50 (about R840) after a ruling at the Harare Civil Court. The decision has sparked outrage from his ex-lover, who insists the new figure is not enough to care for their child.

Illness and financial struggles

The case was heard by Magistrate Faina Makumbe, who delivered the ruling on 30 September.

Mr Sidney Sixpants told the court that the original order was granted in his absence because he was in hospital.

He explained:

“I could not make it to court because I was very ill. Tadyanai proceeded with the matter even after I told her I was admitted in hospital.”

The court heard that he was involved in an accident and sustained injuries to his arm, leg and head.

He added that he was not employed due to his condition.

“I am still healing, I do not go to work at the moment, I can give her US$50,” he said.

Ex-lover voices opposition

Ms Mercy Tadyanai, the mother of the child, opposed the application and told the court that she was also battling health issues but continued working to provide for her child.

She said:

“US$50 is not enough. I am actually sacrificing right now. I, too, have a medical condition, but I know my child needs to be taken care of, hence I still go to work.”

She explained that her monthly salary as a cashier was already stretched.

“I earn US$198 (about R3,340) as a cashier at Lucky Chicken, most of my money goes towards rent, hence US$50 will not be enough for medicals, school fees and my child’s clothes,” she said.