The Sunday News
Kay Kaseke Sunday News Reporter
I AM not a prophet but a magistrate by profession! These were the words of a Bulawayo magistrate on Wednesday as he blasted a couple who are engaged in a fierce row over maintenance. Magistrate Victor Mpofu ordered Zothile Mlilo from Njube and Mhlonipheni Machipisa from Emganwini to stop accusing each other of lying without any evidence.
He said: “As long as there is no evidence for any of your claims there is nothing I can do because I am not a prophet. I cannot foretell who between the two of you is lying.
“Mlilo is claiming that she did not receive maintenance money from you and you claim that you gave her, how am I supposed to know the truth about this matter,” he said to Machipisa who was eager to refute his wife’s claims.
He advised the two, who were exchanging harsh words in court, to comply with court orders.
“I am surprised why you are giving her the money in person because last time you came here you were ordered to send it into her account,” he said.
Mpofu also ordered Mlilo to open a bank account to receive the money.
“The court ordered you to open an account to receive the money from him to avoid such incidents,” he said.
Mlilo who accused her husband of owing her $95 for maintenance pleaded for the court to grant her a garnishee order.
She said: “He failed to pay maintenance for one month therefore the court should grant me a garnishee order.”
Machipisa accused his wife of lying before the court and the magistrate.
“She is just lying because I gave her the money in person, I do not owe her anything,” he blasted.
