By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A 21-year-old Beitbridge man has been ordered by the to pay $45 monthly maintenance for his five-month-old child after the child’s mother approached the court seeking financial support.
Audrey Shava filed an application for maintenance against Talent Bope, saying she is unemployed and struggling to care for their infant.
She requested US$50 per month to help provide for the child’s basic needs.
Shava told the court that the baby is only five months old and requires constant care, making it difficult for her to find employment.
In response, Bope acknowledged responsibility for the child but told the court he is currently unemployed.
He said he survives by offloading heavy trucks, earning about R1,500 per month, which he said is roughly US$90.
Bope also revealed that he has another partner who is two months pregnant, adding pressure to his limited income.
“I can only manage to pay R500,” he told the court.
However, magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni ruled that Bope is able-bodied and capable of doing more to support his child.
The court therefore ordered him to pay US$45 per month in maintenance.
The payments will continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self-supporting, according to the ruling.