Mahari spills beans on ex-wife
FORMER Mashonaland Holdings chief executive Manfred Mahari yesterday accused his estranged wife Moyra of cheating on him with younger men while she was working at the United Nations.
Mahari who was answering questions in court during his $31 000 maintenance case said the infidelity issues led to their divorce.
The prosecutor Mrs Devoted Nyagano accused Mahari of being irresponsible by buying luxurious vehicles for his children at a time when he was failing to pay their school fees.
In response Mahari said he was a responsible father who wanted to motivate his children to have a good life.
Harare magistrate Ms Ennia Ndiraya said judgment would be handed down on October 19.
Giving evidence before the court Mahari said he has fallen on hard times and was now looking for a job after being dismissed from work three weeks ago.
“I had an agreement with Moyra for assistance with the upkeep of the children and she agreed. I will reimburse her, I never neglected my children,” said Mahari.
“I lived a good life before things took a drastic turn. My children went to France and America on parent funded trips and they went to Dubai and South Africa for holiday.
“I bought two of my elder children a Mercedes Benz each as presents for their 16th birthdays because that is what happened to me when I turned 16.
“I only have two properties which are bonded by my employer. The bottle store is shutting down and the landlord gave me notice after accruing arrears more than $4 000. I am no longer a director at Turnall Holdings. I resigned after losing my employment.”
Ms Nyagano told the court that on April 12, 2012 Mahari was ordered by the Harare Civil Court to pay maintenance for three children.
Mahari and Moyra agreed in their decree of divorce that he would pay all school and tuition fees.
They also agreed that he would provide uniforms, footwear, sportswear, school equipment, text books and extra lessons.
He was also to provide day to day needs for the children and bear 100 percent of their medical aid.
The maintenance arrears are $31 577, it is alleged.