The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Nyahoda
Post reporter
IN a bizarre maintenance case, a Mutare man is refusing to contribute towards the upkeep of his two children as he is arguing that they are receiving enough donor support.
Paul Marumbwa and his wife Alice Muradzikwa appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Purity Gumbo, with the later applying for monthly maintenance amounting to $8 500.
One of the couple’s children was born prematurely and needs special medical care, medicine and diapers.
Despite Marumbwa’s argument, Ms Gumbo instructed him to $3000 as monthly maintanance with effect from 31 July.
Marumbwa pointed out that he is unemployed, hence he could not afford to pay the requested $8 500.
“Your Worship, I only survive on piece jobs like filling potholes. I only wait for money that I get from generous people as appreciation tokens,” said Marumbwa.
“The children stay at their mother’s rural home. They are covered on shelter, water and electricity. Besides, a lot of donors are always providing them with all their basic needs,” Marumbwa said.
He also indicated that he has other expenses, including another child to look after.
“I have another six-year-old daughter with another woman and rentals to take care of,” said Marumbwa.
But Muradzikwa pleaded with the court to order Marumbwa and assist her in taking care of the children through monthly maintenance.
“The donors are no longer supplying us with enough provisions. It is indeed a huge burden to be looking after the children alone. He needs to contribute towards their upkeep,” said Muradzikwa.
Ms Gumbo called upon Marumbwa to make sure that as the father of the children he works hard and plays his part in providing what they need.
