Mutare – In a case that has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows, a local musician, John Marisa, has been ordered to pay US$70 towards the upkeep of his two children.
The ruling came after his wife, Melody Marisa, dragged him to Mutare Civil Court, demanding US$100 for the children’s maintenance.
The case, presided over by Mutare magistrate, Mr Xavier Chipato, saw Melody accuse her husband of neglecting his family responsibilities despite having the means to contribute. She painted a picture of a husband who prioritised his own needs over those of his family, leaving her to shoulder the burden of providing for their two children.
“Your worship, I am at a point of giving up and exhausted from carrying the entire burden of our household responsibilities alone,” Melody pleaded with the court.
“The defendant, despite being the father of our two children, has consistently demonstrated lack of interest in contributing towards our domestic well-being. His occasional musical performances generate some income, but he flatly refuses to share it or assist with even the most basic household needs.”
She explained that she had previously tried to address the issue by seeking help from his sister, but her attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, she was forced to assume the role of both parents, managing the household and caring for their children single-handedly.
“The defendant’s lack of involvement has left me shouldering the entire responsibilities. In light of this, I am seeking maintenance in the amount of US$100 for our two children (to) help me cover essential expenses such as school fees, food, and other necessities,” she said.
A nurse by profession, Melody stated that her income was stretched to the limit and unable to provide for herself and the two children. She appealed to the court to consider John’s lack of involvement and grant her the maintenance she was seeking to ensure the well-being of their children.
John, however, presented a different narrative, claiming that his wife had ejected him from their matrimonial bed, leaving him feeling emasculated and disregarded. He admitted to facing financial difficulties but attributed his situation to Melody’s actions.
“I am utterly astonished and disappointed that she has presented herself in court today with no apparent remorse or shame,” John said.
“While I acknowledge that I am facing financial difficulties, it is essential to note that she ejected me from our matrimonial bed, thereby relinquishing my role as the primary provider, and forcing me to re-evaluate my responsibilities.”
He revealed that when he questioned Melody about her decision, she bluntly stated that he was no longer useful to her due to his inability to satisfy her in bed. He claimed that his hurtful and demeaning comment led to her assuming the role of the primary breadwinner, leaving him with a sense of inadequacy and a feeling of being cast aside.
“As a man, I deserve respect and dignity, but I have chosen to respect her decision and adapt to our new dynamics. As a musician, my monthly earnings amount to US$95, which barely covers my own living expenses. If she is demanding the entirety of my income, plus additional funds, I will be left destitute and unable to support myself, let alone our children,” John said.
