By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
FORMER Chilanga Member of Parliament Keith Mukata has proposed that the matrimonial property which was acquired with his former wife, Maricoh Roisin Hoare, be sold with 33.3 percent of proceeds of sale channeled to the children’s university education.
Mr Mukata has also proposed that he and Ms Hoare should contribute 50 percent each to the monthly maintenance of the three children of the family, which expenses amount to K79, 000 inclusive of school fees and transport.
In this matter, the Lusaka High Court on February 4, 2022, granted the two divorce following a petition by Ms Hoare that the marriage had irretrievably broken down.
Judge Dorcas Malama referred the issue of property settlement to the Registrar if the two did not reach an agreement.
In an affidavit in support of summons for maintenance and property settlement, Mr Mukata stated that all negotiations with his former wife to agree on property settlement have proved futile.
He said there are six children of the family born between 2001 and 2019.
He listed the properties acquired during the existence of the marriage as two semi-detached flats located at stand no.A2381/F/3a Kwamwena Valley in Chongwe, five-acre plot of Subdivision B of Subdivision 15 of farm no.691 in Kasupe, Lusaka West and a 1.3 acres of Subdivision A of farm no.691, Kasupe, Lusaka West.
Other properties are two hectares of farm 4151 situated in Kitwe, Meanwood Park, five acres in Meanwood, Lusaka, property on holding number NK7A, Nakatindi resettlement area in Livingstone, Land Rover Discovery registration number AJE 1959 and 70-acre plot of Subdivision A of Lot 9431/M I n Lusaka.
He stated that 33.3 percent of proceeds of sale from the named properties be given to the children’s university education while the former couple would each benefit 33.3 percent from the proceeds of sale.
Mr Mukata suggested that the properties be jointly marketed, sold and conveyed by him and Ms Hoare.
“That the children’s share be paid into an investment account for their university education and it is proposed that both the petitioner and the respondent be signatories together with two lawyers nominated by the parties herein,” he stated.
Mr Mukata said that he had been solely responsible for all the financial needs of the children even at a time when he was at Mukobeko Maximum Prison for murder.
He tabulated the monthly expenses of the maintenance of three children: food and groceries – K6, 000, medical scheme – K3, 000, clothing – K10, 000, school fees per term inclusive of transport, food, books and other school needs – K60, 000, bringing the total expenditure to K79, 000.
