(Last Updated on January 30, 2016 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – A Hurungwe farmer supposedly failed to make a maintenance offer as he pleaded for mercy in court stating that he only realises some income after his annual harvest.
Colleen Mugwagwa had been dragged to the Harare civil court by his ex-wife Plaxedes Mandizvidza who was claiming maintenance for the upkeep of their child.
Pleading for maintenance, Plaxedes said she was facing a hard time looking after the child alone without Colleen’s support.
“I need US$100 maintenance for the welfare of the child.
“This is because Colleen does not support me with finances to look after the child and I am struggling alone to look after his child.
“I do not know how much he earns but as a farmer he should try to get something to assist as the father,” said Plaxedes.
In response, Colleen said:
“The problem I have is that I am not employed so it is hard for me to suggest a maintenance offer.
“When I successfully harvest at the end of the year, maybe that is when I can assist her with finances.
“I wished to stay with her in the rural areas but she left me.”
Magistrate Trevor Nyatsanza, who presided over the matter, ordered Colleen to pay US$25 per month with effect from January 31.