By Panashe Karidzagundi
A 25-year-old man from Beitbridge has been ordered to pay $65 monthly child maintenance for his four-year-old child.
The matter involving Priscilla White and Joseph Gumunyu was heard before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni.
White told the court that she was applying for maintenance of $150 per month for their child, who is currently in ECD A.
She said she survives through piece jobs and earns about R900 per month.
White said Gumunyu is employed at a local mining Company, although she was not aware of the amount he earns.
White told the court that the couple separated after staying together for three years and accused Gumunyu of neglecting his parental responsibilities.
“He got another wife and he does not have any other children, he chose not to take care of his child,” White told the court.
In response, Gumunyu denied being employed, saying his contract had been terminated.
He also revealed that he is currently out on bail due to some alleged accusations of stealing from his former work place.
Gumunyu said he had lost trust from former associates he used to work with and he is not working.
Gumunyu then admitted that he has another child aged 11 months and told the court he could not afford the $150 being claimed.
“I cannot afford $150, but I can manage $20 considering that I am not working,” he said.
White however challenged his claims, telling the court that Gumunyu had previously informed her that he owned a tuckshop and had consistently failed to support the child.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Kaweni ordered Gumunyu to pay $65 per month in maintenance with effect from May 2026 till the child reaches 18 years or become self-supporting.