By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge local taxi driver will regret and curse his failures to attend court after default judgment to pay $200 per month in child maintenance was made against him.
After the court orderly called his name three times, Tinashe Shumba was was nowhere to be found.
He had not excused himself and Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni went in applicant Ellen Shambamuto favour.
In her application, Shambamuto, demanded $200 per month for their two children aged four and nine years.
Shambamuto told the court that she is a vendor earning approximately R1,000 per month and has been solely responsible for the children’s upkeep.
She applied for a maintenance order of US$200 per month, seeking US$100 for each child.
She told the court that the, Shumba, is self employed as a taxi driver and allegedly earns about R1,800 fortnightly.
She said Shumba has a wife, and has no other children.
with no response or opposition from Shumba, the Court, proceeded to grant the order in default.
Kaweni ruled that Shumba must pay US$200 per month for the maintenance of their two children.
The payments will take effect, starting this June 2026 and will continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self supporting.