23 Feb 2014

Tsabong magistrate court has recently slapped Modisaotsile Asele with a P400 fine for failing to maintain his biological child.

“It is every person’s responsibility to take care of his/her child,” Senior Magistrate, Mr Daniel Nkau said before giving his verdict. He said the defendant will have to divert the money he used to spend on his parents to his child, adding that his child comes first as he is the one who chose to bring that particular person on earth. He said by taking care of his parents is not an excuse not to maintain his own child.

“Your parent can never take you to court for failing to take care of them, but failure to take care of your child will land you in court,” he said.  Magistrate Nkau advised the plaintiff report to court if the defendant fails to pay the P400 maintenance so that necessary action can be taken.

Earlier on in his defence, Asele who owns a driving school informed the court that he stopped taking care of his child after their relationship with the plaintiff went sour. He said he spend P600 every moth on his mother and about P400 on the welfare of his newly born baby. According to the plaintiff the accused stopped providing for the child while they were still dating. She decided to end the relationship because according to her she could not stay with an irresponsible man.

Meanwhile, a clerk of court, Mr Ditsaone Mogamisi said their court appears to have registered the higher number of maintenance cases as compare to other courts in the country. He said last year they have registered 89 cases and this year so far they have register 25 cases. ENDS