A BULAWAYO man allegedly dumped his wife for a rich girlfriend who is now taking care of some of his needs.
The man Peter Chikakaya was taken to the maintenance court by his ex-wife Sigasyeje Katunga who is seeking child support. Katunga said she wanted $120 monthly for the upkeep of their six-month-old baby.
She said Chikakaya used to take care of all her needs but stopped after he left the family for a rich woman who was taking care of some of his needs.
“My child wears diapers and they cost $60 a month. I’m unemployed and my child was used to a certain lifestyle which he should maintain,” she said.
Chikakaya pleaded with magistrate Sithembiso Ncube to reduce the amount his ex-wife was seeking saying his salary was slashed from $800 to $600.
He added that Katunga had not heeded his advice on containing her expenditure to save money.
“I’ve begged my ex-wife to use nappies as my salary was slashed and I’ve two other children who need school fees. My eldest child is at university,” he said.
Chikakaya said he had moved out of the family home and had rentals to pay. However, Katunga argued that he was not paying rentals at his girlfriend’s house as she was rich.
She said she would not change their child’s lifestyle as he is the one who deserted the family.
“His new girlfriend caters for his needs. She sends me text message telling me that my husband left me because I’m broke and she has money,” said Katunga.
Ncube ordered Chikakaya to pay $80 per month.