The ManicaPost
Tinashe Mlambo
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE woman — Annia Wangundiyani — has filed for maintenance of their two children after ditching her hubby, Georgie Manhungo over infidelity allegations.
Wangundiyani said since ditching him, her ex-husband was not contributing anything towards their two children’s welfare.
The two appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato at the civil court last week.
“Your Worship, I had no choice, but to leave him. I left with my children to stay with my sister in Bezel Bridge in Marange. I could not stomach his infidelity anymore. I caught him cheating with different women, and could not handle his constant lies and betrayal,” she said.
Wangundiyani stopped working when she moved to Bezel Bridge, and has since then been getting assistance from her sister.
“I have been getting assistance from my sister since my relocation to Bezel Bridge, but she can no longer afford doing so as she recently gave birth. Our two children need the support of their father, a reason why I am asking Manhungo to contribute US$70 towards their maintenance,” she said.
She said her ex-husband can afford the US$70 since he earns more than US$90 as a food vendor in town.
“Manhungo can definitely afford to pay the requested amount. He sells sadza in town and makes more than US$90 per month. He can spare part of that money to support his children,” she said.
Manhungo denied cheating on his wife, and said when their marriage collapsed, his ex-wife vanished with their children, only to resurface in court claiming maintenance.
“We traditionally divorced because I was about to marry a second wife. The two of us had irreconcilable differences and had to part ways.
“She vanished with the children and cut all lines of communication with me. I realised that she had relocated to Bezel Bridge when I got a call from the school where my Form Two child use to attend in Rusape. The school authorities told me that the children stopped reporting for school in November last year,” he said.
He said the amount she is asking for was too much and requested to take custody of the two children.
“Your Worship, my income is not enough to pay for the maintenance she is requesting. I prefer staying with my children. If she wants me to contribute to their education, she must return them to Rusape. There are more affordable schools there,” he said.
Mr Chipato explained to him that when parents separate, it is usually the mother who retains custody of the children.
He asked him to propose how much he could afford to contribute as maintenance of the children.
“When you separate, the law says it is the mother who should be in custody of the children, so give us an amount you will be able to give towards your children’s upkeep or the court will decide for you,” he said.
Manhungo said he can afford to pay US$35 and the court ordered him to pay that amount until the children attain 18 years.
