By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
The Beitbridge Civil Court has ruled in favour of Chiedza Mbedzi, ordering Hamfree Tsorai to pay $70 monthly in child support until the children reach 18 and are able to support themselves.
The ruling follows a contested application by Mbedzi, who sought $200 per month to support two children she shares with Tsorai.
The funds were intended to cover school fees, groceries, uniforms, medical bills, and transport expenses Mbedzi has shouldered largely alone since the birth of their second child.
“Ever since the birth of the second child, he failed to support the children,” Mbedzi told the court.
She currently works as a chef at Meloon Restaurant, earning approximately R2000 (about $105), and has been advised to breastfeed for six months, limiting her working hours.
Tsorai, a mechanic and hardware shop owner, claimed his income averages $350 per month, although Mbedzi said he earns closer to $600.
He acknowledged caring for the eldest child until recently and argued that he supports another family with six children, aged between two and 17 years.
“I understand her application, but I have another family,” Tsorai said, adding that his monthly expenses range between $250 and $300.
He offered to contribute $70, citing ongoing school fees for the eldest child and other financial obligations.
After reviewing both parties’ testimonies and financial disclosures, the magistrate Hazel Chitopo ruled that Tsorai must deposit $70 monthly into Chiedza Mbedzi’s First Capital Bank account.
The payment will continue until the children reach adulthood starting this October 31st.