The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Weekender Reporter
A 32-YEAR-OLD commercial farmer offered to pay $5 000 towards the upkeep of his child, arguing that the amount will be sufficient to meet all his daughter’s needs.
Ishmael Chita had been dragged to Mutare Civil Court by Dudzai Makate as she demanded US$70 as maintenance for their year-old daughter.
However, Makate said he could not afford the claimed amount as he has another family to look after.
The couple appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Purity Gumbo, who ordered Chita to pay $10 000 for the child’s upkeep.
Ms Gumbo also ordered Chita to work hard and cater for his daughter’s financial needs.
Although Makate had said Chita is a successful commercial farmer who earns US$300 per month, the latter argued that he is only the property’s caretaker as the farm belongs to his parents.
He claimed that he gets a US$10 monthly stipend from his parents for taking care of the farm.
“I earn US$10 which is equivalent to $5 000 and I don’t mind equally sharing it with Makate since I have another family to take care of,” said Chita.
However, Makate insisted on the US$70 for the upkeep of her daughter.
She said the $5 000 that was being offered by Chita could not cover the child’s expenses.
Ms Gumbo ordered Chita to pay $10 000 for the child’s upkeep every month.
