Current Affairs
Man Offers USD5 for Baby’s Upkeep as Court Orders DNA Test Maintenance
A Harare man stunned the Civil Court when he offered just USD5 a month for the upkeep of a seven month old baby an amount that left even the magistrate questioning his sincerity.
Norest Karimatsenga was dragged to court by Ruvarashe Yobe, who was demanding USD100 to support the child. Yobe, a vendor, told the court that her meagre income could not sustain the baby’s needs.
Karimatsenga defended his USD5 offer by claiming he was unemployed and surviving on his elderly parents in the rural areas. He further cast doubt on his responsibility for the child, formally requesting a DNA test.
Yobe brushed off his claims of hardship, insisting that he could manage at least USD30 a month.
Under mounting pressure, Karimatsenga revised his offer to USD10, but Magistrate Hannah Fazilamed ruled that he must pay USD5 monthly with immediate effect pending the outcome of the DNA test.
If the results confirm he is the father, the order will stand. If he is excluded, the ruling will be overturned.