Sister-in-law takes man to court over maintenance

News
AN EMGANWINI man was yesterday taken to court by his sister-in-law demanding maintenance for the upkeep of his 11-year-old daughter.

AN EMGANWINI man was yesterday taken to court by his sister-in-law demanding maintenance for the upkeep of his 11-year-old daughter.

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Thokozani Bhebhe, who is a sister to Jericho Gumbo’s late wife, asked provincial magistrate Tawanda Mthethwa to order Gumbo to pay $60 for his daughter’s maintenance.

Bhebhe told the court that Gumbo had contributed nothing for the upkeep of her younger sister’s daughter since her death a few years ago.

“I am demanding $60 maintenance for the upkeep of my sister’s child. Her father (Gumbo) is not responsible and never contributed anything towards his daughter’s upkeep since the death of her mother,” Bhebhe said.

In his defence, Gumbo said he was not going to pay the money because Bhebhe took the child out of his custody without his consent.

“I am a security guard at Fawcett and I earn $216 (per month) and I do not agree with what she is saying. She did not tell me when she took my daughter out of my custody.

“I have never had a chance to see my daughter since my wife died. I can only manage to offer her $40 per month,” Gumbo said.

In his judgment, Mthethwa said Gumbo should pay $54 per month starting from December until the child is 18 years.