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Thandeka Moyo Court Correspondent
A Bulawayo woman yesterday asked a magistrate to slash maintenance for her husband’s girlfriend because she had disrespected her by falling pregnant on her matrimonial bed. Rejoice Mkungwa had accompanied her husband, Zivanai Mkungwa, a soldier to court where he had been dragged by his estranged girlfriend Ntombezinhle Ngwenya for failing to support their one-year-old daughter.

“Your Honour I am here to tell you that this loose girl slept with my husband knowing that he was married to me. To add salt to injury she did that on my matrimonial bed in my absence. Now she is claiming such a huge amount, what will my children survive on? Please reduce the amount,” she said.

The court also heard that Ngwenya dumped the child at the Mkungwa home a week ago after Rejoice had offered her $15 to buy groceries and clothes for the baby.

In her response Ngwenya said: “This man is irresponsible and has done nothing for the baby ever since she was born. When I fell pregnant, he tried to force me to abort and I refused. I left the baby with him and his wife because they had claimed that I could buy groceries and clothes with $15”.

After a series of arguments between two women, Mkungwa weighed in, saying he was broke as he had taken a loan to buy a car that he would be repaying until 2017. “Your Honour I love my wife and I could not tell her about the other woman and baby because I was scared. I cannot afford the $120 Ngwenya is claiming as I have two other children and my wife to take care of besides her baby,” he said.

Magistrate Mpofu said that Ngwenya’s baby could not starve to death because her father had bought an expensive car.
“I do not understand why a soldier like you should be involved in such carelessness as if there is no protection when you want to engage in extra marital sex. You are therefore ordered to pay $65 maintenance with effect from month end January 2014. As for your wife she should sue Ngwenya for having sex with you and not try to punish the child who is innocent in this matter,” said Magistrate Mpofu.

However, a few minutes after the court ruling, Rejoice had to be restrained after trying to manhandle Ngwenya accusing her of immorality.