The ManicaPost
Melody Vherenaisi
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE woman has approached the courts seeking an upwards review of maintenance from $5 300 to US$300 for the upkeep of her child.
She stated that her decision was motivated by the death of her ex-husband’s first wife.
Rose Munyoro appeared at Mutare Civil Court as she applied for an upwards review of the maintenance she receives from her ex-husband, Morelife Mugari.
She claimed that Mugari was also defaulting in paying the $5 300 he was ordered to pay by the court.
Munyoro said Mugari is now staying with the two children from his first marriage following the death of their mother, adding that he should now pay more for the upkeep of her child.
She said the US$300 she was claiming was for the child’s food, clothes, diapers, medicine as well as her rentals.
She said part of the money will also be used to pay a domestic worker who will take care of the child during her absence as she works.
“While we were still staying together with Mugari, we had a misunderstanding and I opted out of the union. I took a refrigerator and Mugari reported the matter to the police. I slept in the holding cells with my child and from there, my child started having some health complications.
“I consulted a doctor who said my child was consuming too much carbohydrates and should have a balanced diet to reduce his chances of getting sick. The doctor also said due to the rash that the child is suffering from, he needs regular check-ups.
“He also recommended the use of disposable diapers that should be changed regularly. I spend US$20 per day on diapers, hence the US$300 is justifiable,” she said.
She also said when they separated with Mugari, he took the child’s birth certificate and is refusing to give it back to her.
Munyoro said Mugari has said he will only take care of them if they move back to him.
She said her ex-husband can afford the US$300 she was claiming.
Mugari said he could only afford to pay $30 000 per month.
The maintenance was reviewed to US$50.
Mugari was also instructed to hand the child’s birth certificate to Munyoro.
