In a high-stakes divorce battle unfolding in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, CLK, a mother of two young children, is demanding a staggering R830,685.31 to cover legal fees, alongside monthly maintenance payments of R42,284.16, in an effort to secure financial stability for herself and her children amid her contentious split from estranged husband, KKK.
At the heart of this legal wrangle lie two children: IVK, nearly 6, and IZK, aged 5, who primarily reside with CLK. The mother’s financial disclosures paint a troubling picture of struggle and hardship. Currently earning just R10,000.00 a month from contract work and assorted side jobs, CLK claims her monthly expenses total an alarming R52,157.00, creating a substantial shortfall that has seen her borrowing R137,136.15 from friends to stay afloat.
In contrast, KKK presents himself as a businessman with a veneer of financial success, claiming a monthly income of R18,000.00 sourced from property investments and rental agreements. However, discrepancies in his financial statements have raised concerns in court; notably, his monthly expenses are stated as R38,958.00. Despite his assertions, CLK vehemently disputes his allegations regarding her supposed undeclared earnings from Bitcoin trading, which KKK argues would provide a counterbalance to his own financial contributions.
CLK’s demands extend beyond mere legal fees and basic maintenance. She insists that KKK cover all educational-related expenses for their children, including everything from school fees, extra lessons, and sports activities to medical costs and necessary supplies. Notably, she also seeks to include R6,470.72 for a cellphone contract in her name, alongside R465,130.60 in arrear maintenance.
The court proceedings revealed that CLK lacks formal qualifications and supports her family through contractual work for a company named SA Fleet. Her monthly earnings from this position are around R9,000.00, supplemented by baking and various odd jobs for acquaintances.
On the flip side, KKK controls two companies that he claims are under performing, and holds properties in Bulgaria valued at a combined R3,000,000.00. He acknowledges earning R2,800.00 monthly from leasing one of those properties while receiving R5,000.00 monthly support from his mother. Interestingly, he has downplayed his income derived from the “hustling” involved in motorcycle spare acquisitions and sales.
Acting Judge G Farber, while noting the glaring financial disparity between the couple, expressed scepticism over KKK’s claims about CLK’s income. The court ultimately mandated that KKK begin maintenance payments starting 7 January 2025. Despite reducing CLK’s maintenance request to R40,000.00—comprising R10,000.00 for her and R12,500.00 for each child—Acting Judge Farber acknowledged the overall legitimacy of her expenses. Importantly, he allowed that these adjustments would relieve KKK from covering certain costs that he claimed to handle directly.
“The expenses which the mother bases her claim for maintenance for herself and the children are, in my view, not unreasonable,” Acting Judge Farber commented.
