(Last Updated on February 18, 2016 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – A Harare woman yesterday told the Civil Court that her former husband impregnated her when she was a minor and later ditched her.
Nyasha Chidzomba told magistrate Mrs Ruth Kamangira that her ex-husband, Kelvin Chifamba, allegedly forced her to have sex with him when she was 14 years old, resulting in her falling pregnant.
Chidzomba, who was demanding spousal maintenance of $250 and $150 for the upkeep of their minor child, said after impregnating her, Chifamba promised to send her to school.
She said Chifamba took advantage of her being an orphan who did not have a place to stay.
“I want $400, $250 for myself and $150 for our minor child,” Chidzomba said.
“He abandoned us and does not take care of us. He impregnated me when I was 14 years old and promised to marry me,” she said.
Chifamba offered $50 for the child’s upkeep. He argued that Chidzomba was not entitled to maintenance since the two were not legally married.
“Spousal maintenance is claimed by a spouse who is legally married under Chapter 5.11 but in this case the applicant eloped so there is no need for her to claim for maintenance,” Chifamba said.
“It is also the responsibility of both parents to take care of the child. I earn $256 and the amount claimed is too much.”
Mrs Kamangira ordered Chifamba to pay $70 for the child’s upkeep and dismissed spousal maintenance as the two were not legally married.