HARARE - A Harare magistrate has instructed businessman Energy Mutodi to start depositing this month $450 in his ex-wife’s bank account as maintenance for his child.

Mutodi, who divorced his 24-year-old wife Tariro Chirende sometime last year following accusations and counter-accusations, expressed dissatisfaction over the amount he has been ordered to pay.

The court heard the prominent musician-cum-businessman was willing to offer $50 per month saying his businesses were struggling following a police probe into his housing scheme.

“The sum is still high to pay. The lady is using my child as a form of investment and the unfortunate part is that people do not usually understand when I say I cannot afford such an amount. I have asked someone to find a new house for them but they keep on insisting they will stay in Mabvuku,” said Mutodi.

The divorce trial, which opened late last year, ended with a compromise verdict handed down by magistrate Tatenda Manhatsva.

Chirende said she was expecting a lump sum of $1 500 which she said will cater for the child’s school fees, transport and food among other things.

“Mutodi is a prominent businessman who is using his famous name to monopolise everyone in this country,” she said.

“His company is paying school fees for his two children and with his status he is even unashamed to say he wants to offer only $50.”

In his arguments, the Chigorodanda hitmaker said he had other dependants which include his 80-year-old father and unemployed brothers who live in Goromonzi.

Energy Mutodi (Jnr), the couple’s three-year-child is now staying with his grandmother as his mother is furthering her studies at Seke Teachers’ College. - Shame Manesa