By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man will regret his failure to attend court after a default judgement to pay $120 per month in child maintenance was made against him.
After the court orderly called his name three times, Forbes Chitanga was no where to be seen.
He had not excused himself and Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni went ahead in applicant Vivian Tembo’s favour.
In her application Tembo demanded $120 per month for their six month-year-old child.
Tembo told the court that she survives on selling chips as a vendor and earns approximately R500 per month, which she said is insufficient to meet the child’s needs.
In her application, she said Chitanga is financially capable of contributing more, stating that he is a cross-border trader who earns an estimated US$500 monthly and also owns a shop.
With no response or opposition from Chitanga, the Court, proceeded to grant the order in default.
Kaweni ruled that Chitanga must pay US$120 per month for the maintenance of their minor child.
The payments will take effect from this May and will continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self-supporting.