MUVHANGO actor Melusi Yeni might have to pay about R1.3-million to raise the child he allegedly fathered in a one-night stand with his neighbour Palesa Yvodia Molemela.

That is if the Randburg Maintenance Court grants Molemela's wish for Yeni to pay R6000 a month in maintenance when the two square off on October 9.

This means Yeni, who plays Pat in Muvhango, would pay roughly R72000 a year and about R1296000 by the time the child turns 18.

According to papers seen by Sunday World, Molemela accused Yeni of dumping her last year when she was pregnant with his child and not helping with her medical bills.

She said that when she filed a papgeld lawsuit against him in February, the actor refused to pay and disputed the paternity of the child.

But Yeni was left with egg on his face when the DNA results revealed that he was indeed the father.

Molemela told the court on Wednesday that Yeni must take responsibility for his actions and pay her the money.

She said that because she was unemployed, she would use it to buy groceries and pay for a childminder or pre-school.

Molemela also demanded R23000 for "birth expenses and other related prenatal expenses, a gynaecologist and paediatrician, and R10500 for her hospital stay".

She demanded a further R4000 a month for entertainment, holidays and pocket money.

But Yeni, who lives in Jackal Creek Golf Estate and drives a red BMW 3 Series, pleaded poverty and said he could only afford a paltry R1500 per month because his contract with Muvhango had not been renewed.

"Yeni's lawyers told the court that the money was too much for their client," said a court attendant who did not want to be named.

Another person who attended the court hearing, which was held in camera, said Molemela had been advised to seek legal representation to force the actor to pay the money.

"Melusi has a lawyer, but she does not have one. Many women who come here to sue for child maintenance bring lawyers. "So she has indicated that she will come with a lawyer when the case resumes next month," the person said.

The court postponed the case, but ordered Yeni to pay Molemela R1500 a month until the next court date.

Yeni could not be reached for comment by the time of publication .

His phone rang unanswered, and texts we sent were ignored.

Molemela declined to comment.