PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has reportedly shelled out a six figure sum to end his embarrassing spat with ex-lover, Locardia Karimatsenga, state radio reported Wednesday.
Karimatsenga’s lawyer Janathan Samkange confirmed a deal had been reached but refused to reveal the sums involved citing confidentiality clauses.
“Yes, the matter is now settled. We agreed on a once-off payment, but I cannot disclose the amount involved,” Samkange said.
“On Monday, we filed a notice to withdraw the case that had been set down for (Wednesday).
“We agreed on a figure that I am not at liberty to disclose.”
He however said his client was “happy” with the sum she was paid by the MDC-T leader.
The ZBC claimed that, among other things, Tsvangirai agreed a cash payment of between US$280,000 and US$300,000 to end their relationship.
Karimatsenga had gone to court demanding US$15,000 per month spousal maintenance from the MDC-t leader.
But the couple’s lawyers asked the magistrate to stand the case down while they tried to thrash out an out-of-court deal as the MDC-T leader looked to put a stop to the embarrassing drama.
The talks appeared to have collapsed about two weeks ago after the parties failed to agree but a deal was finally agreed Monday resulting in Karimatsenga withdrawing the court case.
Tsvangirai married Elizabeth Macheka last month under the country's customary law after Karimatsenga and South African woman, Nosipho Shilubane, both tried in separate attempts to block the marriage.
Karimatsenga claimed she was already married to Tsvangirai under customary law, which allows a man to have as many wives as he wants. Days later Shilubane stepped in with a claim that the premier had promised to marry her.
Tsvangirai has publicly apologised for the affairs with the two women, saying he had no intention to hurt them.
His first wife of 31 years, Susan, was killed in a car accident in March 2009, just weeks after he went into a unity government with his long-time rival President Robert Mugabe following failed elections in 2008.