By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man will curse the day he failed to attend court after a default judgement that he pays $150 per month in child maintenance was made against him.
After the court orderly called his name three times and More Matanga was in no show without excuse, Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni went ahead making a judgement in applicant Linda Mwinjawika’s favour.
In her application, Mwinjawika demanded $150 per month for their 14-year-old child.
She told the court that Matanga is employed at Beitbridge District hospital and is capable of contributing towards the upkeep of the child, although she was not certain of his current salary.
Mwinjawika said that the last known figure was approximately $300 per month.
With no response or opposition from Matanga, the court proceeded to grant the order in default.
Kaweni ruled that Matanga must pay $150 per month for the maintenance of the minor child, with effect from this month.
The payments will continue until the child turns 18 years old or becomes self-supporting.