Teen mom files for maintenance

A 19-YEAR-OLD woman dragged her ex-boyfriend, Munashe Gwinyi to court, demanding US$100 for the maintenance of their two children.

Tendai Munyusa told the court that she has been solely shouldering the responsibilities of raising their two kids on her own.

The case underscores the difficult circumstances facing many young women, particularly those lacking adequate support from their partners. The two appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Purity Gumbo, who ordered Gwinyi to pay US$50 towards the upkeep of the two children.

“Your Worship, I humbly seek your intervention in my current predicament. Despite my parents’ generous support, the financial burden of caring for my two children has become overwhelming.

“In light of my parents’ recent need to prioritise my siblings’ schooling, I have been left without assistance for some time.

“I am now requesting a monthly maintenance payment of US$100 from my ex-husband, Gwinyi, who earns US$250 from his current employment.

“This amount is modest and represents a fair share of his income, considering that he also has other children to support. I knew our love was never meant to be, but I never thought he will turn his back on his own children.

“He has never shown any interest in their wellbeing, and it breaks my heart. From the moment I gave birth, he has been completely disengaged, oblivious to their ages and the simple joys of parenthood.

“To think that he could forsake his own flesh and blood is truly unfathomable,” she said. Gwinyi denied the assertions, arguing that he has been assisting the children whenever he could.

“Your worship, I refute the claims that I have completely neglected my children.

“While it may be true that I am not aware of their precise ages, that does not reflect lack of care or involvement in their lives.

To the contrary, I provide assistance when I am financially able to do so. I have on numerous occasions purchased food and other essentials for my children, and my ex-wife’s grandmother can attest to this fact.

I am not employed on a permanent basis and earn approximately US$7 per day through part-time work, and I am therefore offering a maintenance payment of US$30 per month,” he said. Ms Gumbo ordered him to contribute US$50 for the two children’s upkeep.