Hubby wants children taken to prophet

A Harare woman told the Maintenance Court yesterday that her husband always tells her to seek help from prophets whenever their children fall ill.

Tendai Musarira demanded US$80 in child support from her kombi conductor husband, Godfrey Tawanda.

However, Godfrey told the court that he barely earns much to fend for his families, saying his first family stays at his parents’ house and he pays rent for the second family.

“I earn US$100 per month and I am also offering to buy uniforms twice a year and pay school fees as well. l doesn’t stay at home, l go there from time to time since l have another family with two kids,” he said.

Tendai declined the offer saying it’s not enough because their younger child needs special care and demanded US$80.

“Whenever our son gets sick, he says I should go to a certain prophet at the shrine. l heard rumours that he earns US$100 per fortnight.

“I need him to be a responsible father and cater for all his six children equally because one of our children is not in school right now because he refuses to pay fees,” she said.

Magistrate Sharon Mashavire was in shock after hearing that Godfrey has six children and one wasn’t going to school.

“How can you have two wives and keep impregnating them when you are not financially stable? If being a conductor is not producing good fruits to fend for your families, then look for a better job.

“However, both parents should equally fend for their children. Tendai get out of your comfort zone, you are lucky you don’t pay rent hence you should start fending for your family as well,” said the magistrate.

She then ordered Godfrey to pay US$70 in maintenance, pay fees and buy uniforms twice a year.