By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man was ordered to pay $40 monthly maintenance for his two children following an application by their mother.
Miyara Chinyama appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni seeking financial support from the children’s father, Ishmael Chinyama, for their 12-year-old twins.
Miyara told the court that the couple has six children together, but she was only seeking maintenance for the twins.
She said she works as a general hand at a local hospital earning US$250 per month, while the Ishmael was believed to be employed as a truck driver at a local Mine earning around US$300.
Miyara initially requested US$150 per month to help with the children’s upkeep, adding that she was not aware whether the Ishmael had other sources of income or another family to support.
In response, Ishmael disputed the claims about his employment and income.
He told the court that he works temporarily as a security guard for a local Security Company, earning about US$100 per month.
He also explained that he had previously made arrangements to pay school fees for the children at their former school but claimed Miyara later transferred them to another school without his involvement.
Ishmael told the court that the applicant had prevented him from directly buying groceries for the children.
Due to his limited income and other expenses, including US$25 monthly rent, Ishmael said he could only afford US$40 per month in maintenance.
Miyara did not oppose the proposal, stating that her main concern was for the father to contribute towards the upkeep of his children.
Kaweni granted the maintenance order by consent, directing Ishmael to pay US$40 per month for the twins’ upkeep.
The court ruled that the payments will take effect from March 2026 and continue until the children turn 18 or become self-supporting.