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Prosper Dembedza Court Reporter
A ZBC news presenter, Thamsanqa Mkandla, was yesterday arraigned before the Harare Civil Court by a woman with whom he sired a child who is now claiming $200 for the upkeep of the eight-year-old child.

In her application, Thembalani Makotore claimed Mkandla was able to pay $200 per month for his child since he is employed as a news presenter at the ZBC where he earns $800 per month.

Mkandla, who was represented by a lawyer, offered to pay $30 per month, saying he was a part-time employee at the national broadcaster.

Mkandla’s lawyer submitted that his client was getting $7 per shift and was being taken care of by his brother since 2008.

The magistrate, Mrs Ruth Kamangira, deferred the matter to June 8 and ordered Makotore to bring proof of Mkandla’s earnings.

Meanwhile, a Goromonzi man has offered to pay $15 for the upkeep of his child, saying he was getting R5 per day from his farming business.

Tapiwa Makoni had been dragged to court by his ex-wife, Jane Chipidigu, who was claiming $100 for the upkeep of their child.

“I can only offer $15 per month as maintenance since I am surviving on subsistence farming,” Makoni said. “I also have a wife and two children who depend on me for everything.”

Chipidigu had submitted that Makoni was a commuter omnibus driver and was earning $100 per week.

Mr Nyatsanza ordered Makoni to pay $40 per month for the upkeep of his child beginning end of this month.