By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man has been ordered to pay US$100 per month in maintenance for his two minor children.
The matter involved Liboniswani Muleya and Patience Siziba, who appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni on Thursday, this week after Siziba sought maintenance for the children, aged 13 and 8.
Siziba told the court that Muleya had neglected his parental responsibilities and applied for US$150 per month for the upkeep of the children.
She said she earns an average of US$80 per month and had been carrying the financial burden of raising the children.
“Muleya is a transporter operating between Beitbridge and Bulawayo. I am claiming US$150 because I cover most of the children’s expenses,” she said.
In his response, Muleya said the amount being sought was beyond his means.
“US$150 is too much. I earn about US$100 per month. I am willing to pay the children’s school fees, provide lunch packs and contribute US$40 monthly. I will also buy books and uniforms. We do not stay together, and I have a wife and two other children to support,” he said.
Siziba told the court that any maintenance payments should be made directly to her, adding that there were already outstanding arrears.
She also said that, she had paid the children’s school fees for the current month.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Kaweni ordered Muleya to pay US$100 per month in maintenance for the two children, with effect from this month, until the child reaches the age of 18 years or become self-supporting.