Paternity dispute unfolds as Harare man denies responsibility for unborn child
A contentious paternity dispute took center stage at the Harare civil court, as a man refused to acknowledge his unborn child, arguing that he does not know the mother who he met at a bar and had unprotected ƨǝx with.
The case unfolded before Magistrate Johanna Mukwesha, where Rhoda Chihoko sought an order compelling Emmanuel Makuwanza to accept responsibility for the child.
Chihoko alleged that Makuwanza was denying her pregnancy despite their intimate relationship, which spanned from June to October of the previous year. Frustrated with his lack of support, Chihoko sought legal intervention, requesting that Makuwanza provide financial assistance and care for her during this crucial period.
During the court proceedings, Chihoko expressed her plea, stating, “I want him to take care of me. When I visit his workplace, he assaults and insults me.”
Her emotional appeal shed light on the alleged mistreatment she endured while attempting to seek support from Makuwanza.
On the other hand, Makuwanza vehemently denied having any relationship with Chihoko, asserting that their interaction was limited to a chance encounter at a bar in June of the previous year. He claimed to be completely unaware of her identity, stating, “I don’t even know her name.”
In an unexpected twist, Makuwanza argued that he was the one who required a protection order against Chihoko, accusing her of causing disturbances and infringing upon his peace. He insisted that he was merely a customer on the occasion they met, expressing his disbelief at Chihoko’s subsequent demands that he accept her as his wife.
Mukwesha dismissed Chihoko’s application.
