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Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
FORMER Nkayi regional magistrate Mr Thabekhulu Dube has been sentenced to 30 days in prison for defaulting on paying maintenance.
Mr Dube (46) was dragged to court by Ms Juana Chavarika whom he sired a child with to court after his maintenance arrears ballooned to $1 440. He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Zvishavane magistrate Mr Achy Wochiunga last week.
He pleaded for more time to clear the debt but Mr Wochiunga shot down his request. In passing the 30-day prison sentence, Mr Wochiunga said Mr Dube was a former officer of the court and should have known better.
“You are a former magistrate so I expect you to know better. You defaulted on the payment knowingly. You can’t even defend yourself because you know you have no good defence. This court will not show leniency to you because you know very well that ignoring the court order will land you in jail,” said Mr Wochiunga.
Prosecuting, Ms Sheilla Mupindu told the court that Mr Dube was given an order to pay $50 monthly to Ms Chavarika two years ago but he did not comply. He was initially dragged to court in March this year after the debt ballooned to more than $1 000. He was instructed to clear the arrears before 30 April but he did not comply.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter