Harare Court Orders Pensioner to Pay US$120 Monthly for Four Children

By Staff Reporter
A Harare court has ordered a pensioner to pay US$120 a month towards the upkeep of his four children after his wife sought a higher maintenance contribution.

Harare Court Orders Pensioner to Pay US$120 Monthly for Four Children

Mumbai had initially asked the court to order Chiguvare to pay US$550 per month for their four children, aged 16, 12, 10 and three.

She told the court that Chiguvare had not been providing sufficient financial support, leaving her to meet most of the family's expenses.

Mumbai said the family's financial difficulties had also affected the children's education, with one of the children reportedly dropping out of school because the family could not afford the associated costs.

Chiguvare, however, challenged the amount being sought, offering to pay US$40 per month towards maintenance and school fees.

The pensioner told the court that he could not afford the requested amount because he receives a monthly pension of only US$55.

He also told the court that he was suffering from an HIV-related illness, which he said further limited his financial capacity.

During the proceedings, Chiguvare made allegations concerning his health and his wife, claiming that he had contracted HIV from Mumbai. He also alleged that she had undisclosed health problems and was taking medication without informing him.

Chiguvare further indicated that he was preparing to seek a divorce but maintained that he would continue supporting his children if his health permitted him to work.

After considering the circumstances before it, the court ordered him to pay US$120 per month towards the children's maintenance.

The order will remain in force until each child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self-supporting.

The ruling rejected Chiguvare's proposed US$40 contribution and requires him to make a higher monthly payment despite his stated financial and health difficulties.