Father resurfaces for son’s graduation

A man who allegedly cut ties with his wife and son who was six months old for over two decades resurfaced on the young man’s university graduation day.

The man then found means to influence his son to turn his back against his mother and her relatives.

This was raised by Cosmas Mamombe of Mabvazuva, Rusape, when he appeared before Chief Makoni’s court as he demanded bride price from Runyararo Maripi of Buhera for impregnating and dumping his sister.

Mamombe told the court that Maripi who absconded the hearing never contributed anything towards the upbringing of his son, Tafadzwa.

He further claimed that Tafadzwa has since dropped his mother and maternal relatives from his marriage programme and roped in his father.

“Maripi impregnated my sister when she was still a teenager. He visited us for bride price negotiations, and we agreed on US$1 000 damages, US$1 500 rusambo and seven cattle. He promised to pay later.

“My sister gave birth to Tafadzwa. When Tafadzwa was six months old, Maripi vanished into thin air. I took it upon myself to raise Tafadzwa. I treated him just like one of my children. I paid all his school fees, from crèche to university. On Tafadzwa’s graduation day, I was surprised to see Maripi.

“Tafadzwa is now working in Harare. I was working with him on his marriage plans, but to my surprise, I later discovered that he had sidelined me and his mother in everything. He is now working with his father,” said Mamombe.

He added: “I do not have any problem with Tafadzwa reuniting with his father, but it must be done in a proper manner.

Maripi should marry my sister first before assisting Tafadzwa to marry.

I will also come back to this court for maredzwa because l raised Tafadzwa. He should reimburse me all the expenses I incurred in raising his son.”

Tafadzwa’s mother who was present in court but was not asked her name confirmed that her son had cut communication with her.

“My son is now close to his father. We last had a normal discussion when he announced his intentions to get married, but he later sidelined us.

“When his father received summons to appear before this court, he sent me a message saying ‘Ko zvecourt mazvidirei. (Why did you make the court route?)’,” said Tafadzwa’s mother.

The court ruled that Maripi should pay up the bride price he had agreed with the Mamombes.

He was also fined three goats for defaulting Chief Makoni’s court.

“This is what most boy children do after being raised by their maternal relatives. They trace back to their clan. It is a normal, but painful process. Maripi should pay all that was agreed when he presented himself to marry your sister. He was properly served to appear before this court, but willfully defaulted. He is fined three goats,” ruled Chief Makoni.