A BULAWAYO man on Wednesday took his wife to court claiming maintenance of $306 per month for the upkeep of their three children seven years after she allegedly deserted the matrimonial home.
RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR COURT REPORTER
It was also revealed that one of their children tried to commit suicide demanding to live with his mother.
The woman, who works in Triangle, was, however, ordered to pay $90 maintenance after she told the court that she could not afford to pay the $306 demanded by her husband as she only earned $153 as a contract worker.
“Your worship, I can’t afford that amount as I work as a contract worker and I am starting work on 23 May. My husband is lying that I neglected the family. I was doing everything for them, including buying clothing,” she said.
“He took away the children from me and has been abusing them. As I speak, our eldest son who is 17-years- old tried to commit suicide demanding to come and live with me. He was only saved after the rope he used broke loose. He is an abusive husband. Every time I come home he assaults me.”
The couple are legally married and their children are aged 17, 12 and nine.
The husband denied his wife’s claims, but acknowledged that their son tried to commit suicide.
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“She is lying. She deserted me seven years ago and has never done anything for the children. I am the only one who is taking care of the children while she’s spending her money alone in Triangle,” he said.
“I also visited her and had a misunderstanding after I found out that she had a boyfriend there. When I phoned the boyfriend he told me that he was courting her, but she confessed to me that she had just dumped him after a relationship.
“She is currently building her own house there despite the fact that we own a house together here in Bulawayo.”
Bulawayo magistrate Victor Mpofu ordered the woman to pay $90 for the upkeep of the children beginning May 31.
He also advised her to approach the Juvenile Court to claim custody of the children.
