By Ziyah News Court Reporter
Bikita West MP Energy Mutodi has been hit with a US$1,500 monthly child maintenance lawsuit by his ex-wife, Polite Dhiyo, who claims he has failed to contribute financially to their six-month-old child.
Dhiyo filed the lawsuit at the Masvingo Magistrates Court yesterday morning, alleging that despite Mutodi’s substantial earnings of at least US$15,000 per month from his various business ventures, legal practice, and parliamentary salary, he has not provided any financial support since their separation.
In her application, Dhiyo detailed their marriage, which took place in 2023 under customary law, and noted that while Mutodi paid part of the lobola, he has since neglected his financial obligations.
“During the customary law union, we had one minor child, who is now six months old. At the time of our separation, the respondent undertook to provide financial support for the upkeep of the child. However, since the separation, the respondent has not paid a single cent towards the child’s upkeep. I have been solely responsible for providing shelter, food, clothing, and medication for the child,” the application states.
The court will now address Dhiyo’s claims as the two former partners navigate the legal implications of their separation and child maintenance responsibilities.