The Sunday News
PROMINENT Bulawayo doctor, Nkonzo Ndebele who is no stranger to the courts has filed for divorce from his estranged wife, barely two weeks after he was involved in a maintenance wrangle with a businesswoman he is customarily married to.
According to court papers filed at the Bulawayo High Court (HC 1285/14) on Thursday last week, Dr Ndebele, who was cited as the plaintiff is seeking a divorce from his wife, Dr Samukeliso Ndebele (nee Vuma).
Samukeliso is a specialist doctor in Bulawayo.
In the matter before Justice Maxwell Takuva, Dr Ndebele is also seeking the right to access their 15-year-old daughter.
“The parties sought custody of the minor child subject to the plaintiff’s rights of reasonable access to such child prior arrangement by the plaintiff with the defendant,” read part of Ndebele’s founding affidavit.
He further stated that he would pay for all schooling needs for the child up to a point when she is at tertiary level.
Should the court grant him the divorce, he said, he and Samukeliso should be awarded property in their possession on the date of the divorce.
Justice Takuva removed the case from the roll and it is set to be heard at a later date.
Contacted for comment on the issue, Dr Ndebele had no kind words for this reporter.
“I do not know what you are talking about; first confirm with your sources. If you write anything you will be in trouble with me,” he fumed.
“I am living with the family and we are very happy together, so what you are saying is not true. No one should be concerned about how I live my life and you should also not live your life on what you hear people saying about you.”
Last week, Dr Ndebele was ordered by the courts to pay $350 for the upkeep of his six-year-old daughter who he was allegedly neglecting.
Ndebele is customarily married to Ms Grace Ndlovu but the two briefly went on separation last year. They later reconciled although she filed for maintenance which she was granted by the courts.
Initially, last year Ms Ndlovu filed a claim where she wanted $3 700 for the upkeep of their child as she said Dr Ndebele had introduced their child, who attends a private school to a lavish and sophisticated lifestyle that needed to be maintained.
Among other things, Ms Ndlovu demanded money every month for dog food — $100, generator and fuel — $150, rent — $400, gardener’s salary — $150 and computer servicing and updates — $50, which magistrate Ms Rosemary Maphosa dismissed.
Dr Ndebele had confirmed that he runs a surgery but dismissed claims that he was earning $25 000 a month, saying his income was less than $3 000 per month. He argued that their daughter lives a normal life within their financial means and the maintenance claim was just a ploy by Ms Ndlovu to get money from him.
Ms Maphosa ordered Dr Ndebele to pay all the costs of the child’s school fees and buy uniforms at least once each term.
“The respondent shall subscribe the child for medical aid cover and to pay all the total subscriptions. The respondent shall pay for any extra two curriculum activities and for any tournaments,” ruled the magistrate.
She further ordered Ndebele to buy casual clothing for the child once each term at a cost of $150.
Sunday News contacted Ms Ndlovu who said she was in a state of shock over Dr Ndebele’s divorce as she did not know that he was married to another woman.
“I am in a state of shock and as for now let me reserve my comment, we will talk some other time,” she said before hanging up the telephone.
