Divorced woman demands US$1,800 maintenance for 3 children, gets US$150 instead

A Harare woman who demanded US$1,796 a month in maintenance from her ex-husband for their three children has been awarded a fraction of that amount after a magistrate ruled her claim was excessive.

Rejoice Svikiro was in court on Thursday before magistrate Janemary Makonye, seeking maintenance from her former husband, Lovemore Chidanamabwe.

The couple have three children — a 13-year-old and seven-year-old twins.

Svikiro told the court that since they separated, Chidanamabwe, who makes a living selling residential stands, has not contributed anything towards the upkeep of the children.

She said she earns about US$150 a month from street vending, which is not enough to cover their basic needs.

In her application, she broke down her claim as follows: US$756 for school fees, US$300 for school uniforms, US$200 for food, US$150 for casual clothing, US$110 for unforeseen expenses and US$50 for medical costs — totalling US$1,796.

The magistrate asked her to describe the lifestyle the family enjoyed before the marriage ended.

Svikiro said they lived comfortably when she was employed by a non-governmental organisation, but her contract ended after the NGO closed operations.

The court heard that Chidanamabwe has no other children and his current wife is his only other dependent.

Magistrate Makonye dismissed the US$1,796 claim as excessive.

She ordered Chidanamabwe, who was not in court, to pay US$150 per month, or its equivalent in ZiG, for the three children, plus 50 per cent of each child’s school fees.

The order will take effect at the end of this month and will remain in force until the children turn 18 or can support themselves.