Zimbabwean court denies mother’s plea for child support increase over gambling issues
The case highlights the perception of gambling in Zimbabwe’s society, where it is often viewed as a way to escape poverty and achieve financial stability.
Zimbabwe.- A Zimbabwean woman’s request for her child’s father to increase maintenance payments has been rejected due to allegations of a gambling addiction. The civil court in Mutare dismissed Shalom Matebvu’s bid to increase child support from $80 to $180 after her ex-partner told the court she has a gambling problem.
According to Jonathan Chiwore, the child’s father, Matevbu usually redirects funds meant for her son’s care towards betting, especially on the Aviator game, which has gained significant popularity.
The presiding judge, Thandiwe Sibanda, dismissed Matebvu’s request. Chiwore was already contributing to their child’s welfare by paying school fees, buying clothes and providing food, in addition to the existing $80 monthly payment. The judge counselled Matebvu to stop gambling and find a job to meet her financial needs.
The case highlights the perception of gambling in Zimbabwe’s society, where it is often viewed as a way to escape poverty and achieve financial stability. The platforms through which people could access gambling have also proliferated compared to earlier times. The number of sports betting shops in urban areas has skyrocketed while the rise mobile platforms has been aided by the rollout of high-speed internet. This, combined with the increased availability of digital money services, has put online betting at people’s fingertips.
To combat the rising issue of problem gambling, the Lotteries & Gaming Board is implementing awareness programs to educate the public about the risks of problem gambling. It emphasises that betting should be a fun and enjoyable activity, but becomes problematic when it compromises the well-being of children or destabilises families.
