Divorced traditional doctor ordered to pay child maintenance

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday August 12, 2014 12:14

Daniel Motshegare, who claims to be a traditional doctor, said he could only be able to get clients and pay his five children’s maintenance if his spirits were free.

He said his pending divorce case has hindered him from making money, as he could not communicate with his ancestors when he is in a bad mental space.

Motshegare was married to his Zimbabwean wife in 1997 and the two separated in 2011. In his affidavit, he stated that his wife was emotionally and verbally abusive. The couple had previously been ordered to convene a meeting with their relatives to resolve their marital problems.

However, their efforts proved futile as Motshegare refused to comply with the court order, his wife, Bakhwi told court. She said although she wanted to salvage the marriage, it was best to accept the divorce as her ex-husband wasn’t willing to sort out their marital issues. Bakhwi also told court that in 2011 her ex-husband had taken half of their combined possessions, including cattle, furniture and a two and a half house in Good Hope.

Leburu granted the couple divorce on condition that each party keep the properties they possess. The wife was given a house, furniture and goats while the husband received the car, cattle and other household items.

Bakhwi refused to contest their children’s custody.  Daniel did not claim custody over his children and pleaded with the court to leave them in their mother’s custody, while he makes money.

Leburu however ordered him to pay maintenance but was informed that a case is already before the magistrate’s court and Bakhwi is owed almost P5,200 in arrears.