Dad dodges providing for children

A Mutare man who had told the court that he only gets $50 as pension payout every month in a bid to avoid looking after his three children was left with egg on the face after it was proved that he is gainfully employed.

The elderly man, Joshua Kapfuma, told the court that he is struggling to make ends meet as he also looks after his mother.

However, it emerged during the maintenance application hearing that Joshua had failed to disclose that he was contracted by the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) as a driver who earns a monthly salary of $43 000.

However, this did not stop Joshua from coming up with excuses on why he could not pay maintenance for his children.

He further accused his ex-wife, Zvanyadza Kapfuma, of squandering his pension when he retired from his previous employment.

“This woman is greedy. I never used even a cent of my pension gratuity. She took all the money and I thought she would not pester me for more money after that. She wants to milk me dry. I cannot afford the $35 000 and US$50 that she is demanding as monthly maintenance. I am a pauper who is surviving from hand to mouth,” he said.

“Zvanyadza is a civil servant who earns a decent salary, including the

US$175 allowances. Why should she not contribute towards the children’s upkeep? She threw me out of the house,” fumed Kapfuma.

He insisted that Zvanyadza is relentless when it comes to pestering him for money.

“I am trying to move on, but she will not let me do so,” he said.

The couple appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, who ordered Joshua to pay $20 000 and

US$48 monthly maintenance for his three children.

Zvanyadza was represented by Mrs Ndafa Muchanyara.