Munashe Murava,
a dentist in Bulawayo, has been taken to court by Abigail Sibanda, a student
pursuing tertiary education in Zambia and the mother of his child.
Appearing
distressed in court, Sibanda recounted her experience: “I met Munashe Murava at
the surgery where he worked as a doctor. I was doing my attachment there under
his supervision. After a few weeks, we developed a relationship and engaged in
sexual activity on several occasions, which resulted in my pregnancy in 2021.”
She added, “I
applied for a maintenance order in December 2022, which was granted. He made
payments from December 2022 until August 2023. Since then, he has missed
several months’ payments, and he currently owes US$2,200.”
Regarding the
missed payments, Sibanda explained, “I contacted Murava to understand why he
had stopped paying maintenance. He expressed doubts about paternity and
requested a DNA test. “We have since
taken the test and are awaiting the results.”
Sibanda also
sought an increase in maintenance payments from US$200 to US$830. In response,
Murava stated, “I consistently paid maintenance until we had a serious
disagreement during which she told me I was not the child’s father. That is why
I stopped making payments.”
He further
argued, “I cannot afford to pay US$830. I have four other children to support,
and my monthly income is US$700. I can only afford to pay US$100.”
Murava also
denied owning a surgery. Presiding magistrate Challenge Mahembe ruled in favour
of Sibanda, ordering Murava to pay US$350 per month until the child reaches the
age of 18.
In delivering
the judgment, the magistrate emphasised that maintenance should not be punitive
and that both parents have an obligation to contribute to the child’s welfare.
B Metro
