A Harare mother, Elizabeth Bokosho, has successfully secured an increase in child maintenance after Harare Civil Court magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed ordered her former husband, Andrew Bokosho, to pay US$80 plus ZiG2 000 monthly, up from the previous US$60 plus ZiG900.
Elizabeth had initially requested a more substantial adjustment to US$150 plus ZiG5 000, arguing that the costs of raising their three children had escalated significantly, particularly after their eldest child started high school.
“One of our children is now in high school, and the school fees have increased. Food is no longer enough, and I am the one who buys clothes alone,” she told the court.
She detailed the children’s educational expenses: the eldest child’s fees are US$124 plus US$72 for transport, the second child pays US$110 plus US$60 for transport, while the youngest incurs US$90 in school fees. Elizabeth argued that the previous maintenance payments no longer adequately covered these costs.Andrew Bokosho opposed the increase, stating that his income had remained unchanged.
“I can only afford to keep paying the same amount of US$60 plus ZiG900,” he told the court, adding that he is a soldier earning US$250 plus ZiG5 000 monthly and supports two other children.
Elizabeth challenged this assertion, claiming that his other children are 21 and 19 years old and no longer dependents. She also alleged that Andrew’s actual earnings were closer to US$900 per month, far above the figure he had provided. Andrew clarified that the US$900 was not a fixed monthly salary but his income for the quarter, and argued it could not serve as a basis for monthly maintenance.
After weighing both sides, Magistrate Fazilahmed ruled in Elizabeth’s favour, increasing Andrew’s monthly payments to US$80 plus ZiG2 000 and ordering that the parents share school fees equally. The ruling reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring children’s welfare while balancing parental capacity.
“The court acknowledges the increasing costs of raising children, particularly with school fees, transport, and clothing. Both parents must contribute to ensure the children’s welfare,” the magistrate noted.
Elizabeth’s successful petition highlights the legal avenues available for parents to request adjustments to maintenance orders in response to rising costs, reinforcing the principle that child welfare remains paramount.
Harare Woman Wins Increase in Child Maintenance for Three Children
In a separate and alarming incident, the community of Gweru is reeling after a six-year-old girl witnessed the abduction of her baby sister in a brazen daylight act. Faith Jakaza, the mother, discovered that her infant daughter had been snatched away while she momentarily turned her back.
“On turning back, after a few minutes, the mother discovered the elder daughter no longer had the baby, saying the baby had been snatched away,” recounted Inspector Mahoko, who is leading the investigation.
The six-year-old witness was reportedly terrified and confused as the reality of the situation set in, leaving Faith in a state of panic. Her desperate cries for help echoed through the central business district (CBD), drawing the attention of passers-by and triggering an immediate police response.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to locate the child and apprehend the perpetrator. Inspector Mahoko made a direct appeal to the public for any information that could assist in recovering the baby.
“We appeal for any information that can help in locating the culprit and recover the baby,” he said, stressing the urgency of the situation.
In response to the incident, the Midlands police issued a stern advisory to caregivers, urging constant vigilance over young children and infants to prevent similar incidents.
“On the same note we also advise mothers or persons who have the custody of babies and children to always keep them under close monitoring,” Inspector Mahoko added.
The Gweru community is now gripped by anxiety as residents hope for the safe return of the baby girl while confronting the unsettling reality that such a bold abduction could occur in broad daylight.
Police continue to investigate leads, urging anyone with information, however small, to come forward and assist in bringing the child home safely.
Both cases highlight different aspects of family and community life in Zimbabwe. In Harare, the courts continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that parental responsibilities, particularly child maintenance, adapt to the evolving needs of children. Meanwhile, in Gweru, the abduction case underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance and effective policing to protect vulnerable children.
Together, these stories remind citizens and authorities alike of the importance of safeguarding children—whether through financial support or constant physical protection—and of the broader societal responsibility to ensure their welfare and safety.
Source- Herald
