A kombi driver today told the Harare Civil Courts that he could not afford to pay US$600 for the upkeep of his four children and their mother because he had to share his paltry pay with nine other children and five more wives. Jonathan Musekiwa was speaking after being brought to court by one of his wives, Erina Mundembe who, was claiming monthly maintenance fees.

"I can afford US$60 for the four kids I had with her," he said. "I am a kombi driver who plies the Harare-Murehwa route where I am paid US$70 per week.

"The rest from my wages has to cater for my nine other kids and five wives and I can bring their birth certificates to prove that. I need the money so that I can use it to buy food and pay school fees for the other kids since most of them are residing at my homestead in the rural areas."

Mundembe was demanding US$600 for the maintenance of the four children.

"I am not formally employed and realise a few dollars through selling freezits," she said. "Our children want school fees and he can afford the money since he stays in the rural areas where there is no rent and other bills." Magistrate Tendai Manhanzva ordered Musekiwa to bring the nine birth certificates for the other children on March 4.

"The court needs to determine the matter basing on the existence of the children he said exist," she said. "We do not issue a judgment based on hearsay."