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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
SUNGURA musician Alick Macheso’s ex-wife Tafadzwa Mapako yesterday dared him to produce his bank statement in court to prove his dwindling fortunes after he applied for a downward variation of maintenance fees for their two children.In the application, Macheso told the court that his fortunes had greatly shrunk and sought the court’s indulgence to slash maintenance fees from US$750 per month to US$300 for the children.

Mapako’s lawyer Mr Martin Chijara told Harare Civil Court magistrate Mr Tafadzwa Muvhami that Macheso’s application was speculative and did not justify the downward variation.

Mr Chijara said Macheso should have attached a bank statement to his application to corroborate his claims of changed circumstances.

“It is trite that a person who wants to make a downward variation needs to make clear of changed circumstances and put on an affidavit before the court,” he said.

“The application only says his financial position has deteriorated as a result of the downturn of the economy. It was prudent for the applicant to demonstrate as to how the economic situation has affected him.”

Mr Chijara said Macheso failed to tell the court how many people were attending his shows in May and how many were attending now.

“The Constitution clearly favours my client as the two minors need to be taken care of despite the financial difficulties Macheso is facing,” he said.
“The issue that Mapako is now leading a fancy lifestyle is immaterial, she is not employed, neither does she earn US$1 200 per month. Macheso’s application is frivolous and unsubstantiated.”

Responding to Mr Chijara, Macheso’s lawyer Mr Norman Mugiya said the music business was a different venture compared to other professions and such proof was not available because it operated on an informal basis.

“The application filed by my client has merit, it is the duty for both parties to fend for the children they sired in their ill-fated marriage,” he said.
“Mapako had been mocking Macheso for paying such a huge amount of maintenance money.”

Ruling on the matter will be heard tomorrow.