A court case happened in Masvingo about child support money. Energy Mutodi, who works as a Member of Parliament, businessman, and lawyer, said he would pay $30 each month for his baby. His former wife wanted much more - she asked for $1,500 monthly for their six-month-old child.
The court listened to both sides. Polite Dhiyo, the mother, told them she had been married to Mutodi under local customs before they split up. She said he hadn't helped pay for the baby since it was born during their marriage.
Mutodi explained he couldn't pay much because he didn't make enough money. He said he takes care of seven other children, and one goes to NUST university. He showed papers saying he only made about $40 each month after paying his bills. He also mentioned he has another wife he needs to support.
The mother couldn't prove she needed $1,500 each month. The judge, Isaac Chikura, looked at what both people said. He decided Mutodi must pay $80 monthly instead. Mutodi showed he already pays for the child's early school fees at a crèche.
The court listened to both sides. Polite Dhiyo, the mother, told them she had been married to Mutodi under local customs before they split up. She said he hadn't helped pay for the baby since it was born during their marriage.
Mutodi explained he couldn't pay much because he didn't make enough money. He said he takes care of seven other children, and one goes to NUST university. He showed papers saying he only made about $40 each month after paying his bills. He also mentioned he has another wife he needs to support.
The mother couldn't prove she needed $1,500 each month. The judge, Isaac Chikura, looked at what both people said. He decided Mutodi must pay $80 monthly instead. Mutodi showed he already pays for the child's early school fees at a crèche.
