When a mother vanishes, it falls to grandparents to raise the child. Stella Chitsvatsva faced this difficult situation when her daughter Lucia disappeared two years ago, leaving behind a 6-year-old child. Stella has been caring for the child ever since.
The child’s father, Tonderai Kaseke, had been ordered to pay $2,000 in maintenance previously. But after Lucia disappeared, Stella went to court seeking to be named as the recipient of the payments instead. She also argued that the amount was too low, requesting at least $30 per month.
While Tonderai said he could only afford $10 due to earning just $100 per month as a vendor, the magistrate ordered him to pay $20 monthly in maintenance, in addition to continuing to pay school fees.
Both sides made compromises to reach an agreement that would help provide for the child’s needs.
