The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Correspondent
A 23-YEAR-OLD college student has offered $2 000 monthly maintenance for the upkeep of his minor child.
Prosper Bamusi told the court that he could not afford to pay the $18 000 that his estranged wife, Pamela Muzembe was demanding for the upkeep of their three-year-old child as he is still a student and unemployed.
The couple appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, at the Mutare Civil Court recently.
Bamusi claimed that he is overwhelmed with paying his college fees since his parents cannot afford it.
“My parents are the ones who were paying for my college fees, but lately they haven’t been able to do so. I have to hustle and chip in, since I am the one who is still in college.
“We pay thousands of dollars for my fees and all I can spare for this child is $2 000. I am trying to look after my child, but I do not have the money to meet all of the child’s needs. Muzembe should at least chip in and provide for the child in the mean time,” said Bamusi.
He went on to tell the court that Muzembe had left him because he is still a student and begged the court to order her to move in back with him.
“She left me because I cannot afford what she wanted. I am a student and have to live within my means. I promised her that after graduating I will take care of her and my child, but she could not hear of it. Instead, she moved out with my child and has been nagging me non-stop.
“She knows very well that my parents pay my fees and they are the ones who were taking care of us when she was still with me. She should just come back home where we lack nothing. After all, I still love her,” he said.
Muzembe, however, insisted that Bamusi should contribute meaningfully towards the upkeep of the child since he makes money from selling second hand shoes and clothes.
She told the court that if he can manage his money well, he won’t be a burden to his mother and will be able to take care of his family.
“This man is a great liar, this is the reason I left him. I cannot believe that he is telling all these lies to the court. He buys and sells second hand clothes and shoes and makes a lot of money. I do not know where he spends all that money, but it is enough to take care of his immediate and extended family,” said Muzembe.
She, however, told the court that she could not provide evidence that Bamusi makes money from trading in second hand clothing.
Mr Chipato ordered Bamusi to pay US$25 monthly for his minor child and advised him to seek counselling on his marital problems elsewhere.
“I will not delve into your marital problems as you have requested, solve them amicably among yourselves. However, your differences should not affect your child’s welfare,” ruled Mr Chipato.
