In an unexpected twist, Sinikiwe Kubika, a resident of Mutare, has fled her marriage due to severe and prolonged financial hardship, leading to a strained relationship with her husband, Richmond Kaseka.
The situation came to a head last week when the couple appeared before Mutare magistrate Mr. Xavier Chipato, resulting in Kaseka being ordered to pay US$50 monthly in child maintenance.
Kubika, who has been struggling with poverty since the couple’s separation in January, expressed her desperation in court.
“Your Worship, I am struggling to survive on odd jobs, barely managing to earn US$20 a month. Although I receive some assistance from relatives, it is not enough. Our financial troubles have strained our family life since we started living together in 2016. By January this year, the situation had become intolerable,” she recounted.
Kubika detailed how their children were reduced to begging for food on the streets due to their inability to meet basic needs, leading her to leave the marriage.
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Kubika, who now resides in Arda Transau on the outskirts of Mutare, has been solely responsible for the care of their two children since their separation.
“I have been taking care of the children since January. While Sinikiwe was in Harare, I provided for their needs. Richmond did occasionally bring groceries, but his support was inconsistent and insufficient. He failed to meet other essential needs,” she explained. She lamented that their older child was forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints and implored the court to ensure that Kaseka fulfills his parental responsibilities.
Kaseka, however, offered a starkly different account.
“I have been taking care of the children since January. While Sinikiwe was in Harare, I provided for their needs. Richmond did occasionally bring groceries, but his support was inconsistent and insufficient. He failed to meet other essential needs,” Kaseka argued. He claimed that he was actively involved in his children’s lives and had been providing groceries and other essentials, including maize-meal, sugar, salt, and cooking oil.
To corroborate the claims, Forget Kubika took the stand.
“I have been caring for the children since January. While Sinikiwe was away in Harare, I provided for their needs. Richmond did bring some groceries occasionally, but his support was inconsistent and inadequate. He did not meet other essential needs,” she testified.
In light of the conflicting testimonies, Mr. Chipato ordered Kaseka to pay US$50 per month towards the children’s upkeep, recognizing his minimal yet acknowledged contributions.
