In a recent child maintenance dispute at the Masvingo Civil Courts, Polite Dhiyo, the ex-wife of Bikita South Member of Parliament Energy Mutodi, filed for a monthly payment of US$1,500 for their six-month-old child.
Mutodi, who is not only a businessman and lawyer but also a former Deputy Minister involved in land development, countered with a proposed amount of just US$30, claiming that his income was insufficient to meet Dhiyo’s demand.
During the proceedings, Dhiyo asserted that she and Mutodi were married under customary law before their divorce and indicated that the child was conceived and born during their union. She insisted that Mutodi has not provided any financial support since the child’s birth.
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In response, Mutodi, represented by his lawyer Collen Maboke, explained to the court that his average monthly income after deductions was only about US$40 over the past five months. He also highlighted his financial responsibilities, stating that he supports seven other children, including one attending the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), and has obligations to another wife.
After considering arguments from both parties, Masvingo Magistrate Isaac Chikura ultimately ruled that Mutodi should provide US$80 per month for child support. The magistrate noted that Dhiyo had not presented sufficient evidence to justify her claim for US$1,500, even as Mutodi pointed out his contributions, including covering the crèche fees for their child.
