By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man has been ordered to pay $50 monthly towards the upkeep of his two children.
The order against Rangarirayi Nyamudza was made by Beitbridge Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni sitting at the Beitbrige Civil Court.
Zvisineyi Mavurukuta approached the court seeking maintenance fromi Nyamudza for their two children aged four and five.
In her testimony, Mavurukuta told the court that she is a vendor earning about US$150 per month and struggles to adequately provide for the children.
She initially requested US$200 per month for the children’s upkeep.
She further stated that Nyamudza works as a clearing agent and earns around US$1 500 per month.
The two are no longer living together after Nyamudza reportedly returned to his first wife.
Mavurukuta also told the court that the Nyamudza has five other children, two of whom are still under the age of 18.
However, Nyamudza disputed the claims about his income.
He told the court that he is not a clearing agent but a “bogus agent” and only earns about US$150 per month.
He added that he also has other children to support, with three currently attending school.
Nyamudza then offered to pay US$50 per month for the two children and undertook to cover their school fees.
Kaweni asked Mavurukuta about her opinion on the offer made by Nyamudza.
Mavurukuta agreed to the proposal.
The court then granted a consent order directing the Nyamudza to pay US$50 per month for the maintenance of the two children.
The payments to continue until the children reach the age of 18 or become self-supporting.
In addition, Nyamudza was also ordered to pay school fees for the children.