Ivan Zhakata Court Reporter
A DISGRUNTLED woman yesterday took her husband to court demanding 70 percent of his pension saying he owes her over $4 000 in maintenance arrears.
Memory Gangaidzo told magistrate Mrs Audrey Tarugarira that her husband, Prince Marimbita, had not been paying $130 maintenance for over two years now.
Gangaidzo said creditors were now threatening to attach her property over unsettled debts. “He is in arrears of $4 030 because he last paid maintenance in 2012 and he is two years and seven months overdue,” she said.
“I need 70 percent of his terminal benefits because I am now in debt and need to clear the arrears before my property gets attached. He is failing to fend for his children as evidenced by his arrears and I want the money garnished,” Gangaidzo said.
Marimbita told the court that he was in financial problems.
He claimed his contract of employment was terminated after the company he worked for was put under judicial management, making it difficult for him to foot the maintenance bill.
“I recently got a new job, so I think I am going to clear the arrears as soon as I get paid,” Marimbita said.
Mrs Tarugarira postponed the matter to today.
She ordered Gangaidzo to go and inquire on the actual amount Marimbita will be getting as pension.
Meanwhile, court proceedings at the Harare Civil Court came to a standstill after a woman screamed and wept in protest at the “paltry”$10 offered by her husband as maintenance for their four children.
Rumbidzai Urayayi, who was demanding $600 for the upkeep of the four children, could not hold her tears after her husband, Thomas Mundondo, offered $2,50 per child.
Urayayi had to be escorted by a police officer outside the court to cool down for the court to proceed with other matters and was later recalled for continuation of her case.
She told magistrate Audrey Tarugarira that her husband was a businessman with three shops at Siyaso Home Industry in Mbare, among other businesses.
“The money he is offering is not enough because he has since stopped coming to my house and he accuses me of being a witch,” Urayayi said.
“I want $600 for our four children because I know he is able to foot the bill considering his businesses. He is also into timber selling and realises an average of $100 everyday,” she said.
Urayayi told the court that Mundondo was in a habit of assaulting and accusing her of witchcraft, adding she can no longer fend for their children since she has become weak from Mundondo’s abuse.
Mundondo, who offered $10, argued that he is not formally employed and survives through collecting used pallets for resale realising $150 per month.
He also told the court that besides these four children, he has five others with his first wife who need his support.
“That is the money I can afford to pay considering the nature of my job because I do not want to be arrested for failing to pay,” Mundondo said.
“We live together with the applicant so I will be taking care of other expenses and I will also be providing everything for the children so $10 is enough,” he added.
Mrs Tarugarira ordered Urayayi to bring proof that Mundondo owned shops before postponing the matter to tomorrow for trial continuation.