Court Orders Man to Pay Child Support Despite Pate...

Court Orders Man to Pay Child Support Despite Paternity Dispute

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

A Harare man who denied paternity of his children has been ordered to pay US$250 in monthly child support and settle outstanding school fees after his ex-wife took him to court.

Rosarila Nengunde dragged Samuel Sande to the Harare Civil Court, demanding US$600 per month for child maintenance, US$800 per term for school fees, and an additional US$300 for rent.

Nengunde told the court that Sande, a farmer who also owns a bottle store, was neglecting his children despite having the financial means to support them.

“He is failing to take care of his children. He claims they are not his, yet their birth records prove otherwise,” she argued.

In response, Sande denied owning a bottle store and insisted that his farming business was not generating any income. He also stated that he had other children to support and could not afford the amount being demanded.

“I do not have a bottle store, and my farm is not making any money. I also have other children to take care of, so I cannot afford that much,” Sande told the court.

He offered to pay US$120 per month and suggested transferring the children to a government school, which he argued would be more affordable.

Nengunde opposed the offer, stating that even government schools require at least US$120 per term in fees, excluding rent and other expenses, making Sande’s proposal inadequate.

After hearing both sides, the court ruled that Sande must pay US$250 per month, in local currency equivalent, and settle outstanding school fee arrears by March 31, 2025.