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Elvis Ngulube and Virginia Ncube outside the Maintenance Court in Bulawayo

Mpumelelo Nyoni Chronicle Reporter
A FATHER of 10 who offered to pay $20 maintenance for his child yesterday came in for a tongue-lashing from a Bulawayo magistrate who accused him for poor family planning.
Elvis Ngulube was dragged to the maintenance court by his estranged girlfriend Virginia Ncube who sought a garnish order after he defaulted on maintenance payment last month.

Ngulube pleaded with magistrate Victor Mpofu to reduce his monthly maintenance payment from $45 to $20.
“I can only afford to pay $20 because I earn $272 a month. My wife and I rent a one-roomed house in Harare, which costs me $100. I also have nine other minor children to take care of,” said Ngulube.

Mpofu had no kind words for Ngulube who cited poverty for failure to take care of his child.
“You must learn to plan before you have children. You cannot expect your child to survive on $20 a month,” he said.

Mpofu advised Ngulube to wear protection whenever he feels the urge to quench his sexual appetite.
“Next time you want to have sexual intercourse with your wife, you must wear protection to avoid impregnating her. If you want to continue bearing children you would rather go back to rural areas where life is cheaper,” he  said.

Mpofu later reduced the maintenance payment from $45 to $35 per month.