Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge man has been ordered to pay $95 monthly maintenance for his two minor children following a dispute with the children’s mother over financial support.
Nyasha Muzadzi, appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni seeking maintenance from Edgar Munhemo for their two children aged seven and two.
In her application, Muzadzi told the court she is employed as a cashier earning US$150 per month and was struggling to adequately provide for the children on her income alone.
She wanted US$200 monthly in maintenance, arguing Munhemo had several income-generating activities.
She said he was self-employed and involved in multiple business ventures, including selling shoes, hiring out a car, and runs a radios and televisions eletricals sales shop..
Muzadzi in response said, the businesses enabled him to earn an average of about US$1,000 per month.
Muzadzi also told the court the two no longer living together, adding that Munhemo did not have other children or another wife.
However, Munhemo disputed the claims and denied owning several businesses.
He told the court that he was only a street shoe vendor who travels to Mutare to purchase shoes for resale.
Munhemo said his earnings were modest, claiming he makes about US$60 per month.
Munhemo also told the court that he is now married elsewhere and expecting a child.
He said he at times sends money to Muzadzi for the children.
He claimed that in January he sent US$200, and said he could only manage to pay US$35 per month going forward.
Muzadzi accused Munhemo of misrepresenting his financial situation, insisting his ex-husband still operates a shop where she previously worked before their separation.
She told the court that although she could not provide proof because she now lives with her parents, she had personally seen the shop still operating, a claim Munheno denied.
He said the shop no longer belonged to him after their separation Muzadzi took the stock and money from the business before leaving.
He also told the court the car she referred to belonged to his brother and was not his property.
Muzadzi maintained that the shop was still operational, saying she saw Munhemo’s current wife working there when she visited in December 2025 to bring the child for the holidays.
After hearing submissions from both parties, the magistrate requested Muzadzi to provide her bank account details.
The court subsequently ordered Munhemo to pay US$95 per month for the maintenance of the two children, starting in March.
The payments will continue until the children reach the age of 18 or become self-supporting.