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Angeline Mpofu Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man yesterday refused to pay maintenance for his six-year-old son after expressing doubts that he was the father as the minor was named after his estranged wife’s ex-boyfriend.Bloodwell Musharu of Cowdray Park suburb yesterday appeared before the Bulawayo maintenance court after being dragged to court by his estranged wife Itai Muzambi of the same area.

Musharu stunned the court when he accused Muzambi of naming their child after her previous boyfriend.

“I doubt that this child is mine because she named him after her previous boyfriend.  Why would she do that if the child was mine? I am not willing to pay maintenance for this child,” he said.

Musharu said he could not take responsibility for the child because Muzambi had been involved with different men.

He said: “I don’t think that this child is mine because the applicant is also married to another man now and she has a record of a previous relationship.”

Besides, he said, he could not afford to take care of the child.

“I have been paying $100 for her rent and it’s clear that she is using me. I have three more children to take care of and she should consider that things are hard these days since I am a taxi driver,” Musharu said.

Muzambi demanded $427 for the upkeep of their child.

“He is legally liable to take care of our son.  I need money for food, medication and clothing for the child,” she said.

Magistrate Victor Mpofu ordered Musharu to pay $50 as monthly maintenance for the upkeep of their child until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes self-sustainable.