By Panashe Karidzagundi.
A Beitbridge Car Clearing agent has been ordered by the Court to pay US$150 per month in child maintenance for his two minor children.
Nosisa Mabhena appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni on Monday this week seeking maintenance money against Joshua Machingura.
In her application, Mabhena sought US$500 per month for the upkeep of the two children.
She told the court that she is a housewife and is currently unemployed as she dedicates her time to caring for the children.
Mabhena said Machingura had prevented her from working and stated that he has another family.
She told the court that she was unaware of the Machingura’s earnings but said he works as a clearing agent.
According to her, Machingura had only paid rent for the month, which she said was insufficient to meet the children’s needs.
She also informed the court that Machingura has a wife and three other minor children.
In response, Machingura told the court that the amount being claimed was excessive and beyond his means.
He told the court that he had advised Mabhena to relocate to a cheaper place of residence as there are paying US$200 rent fee.
Machingura said he had stopped working due to medical challenges and was currently unemployed.
He said he operates as an unregistered clearing agent but was not earning any income at present.
Machingura offered to pay US$100 per month in maintenance.
However, Mabhena opposed saying that the proposed amount was inadequate to cater for the children’s needs.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Kaweni ordered Machingura to pay US$150 per month for the maintenance of the two children, with effect from June 2026.
In delivering the ruling, Kaweni said the responsibility to maintain children rests with all parents and that children’s welfare must always be prioritised.