Businessman fails to pay maintenance

Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO businessman has been arrested for failing to pay maintenance for the upkeep of his two children.

Pryford Sibanda appeared before magistrate Tinashe Tashaya facing contempt of court charges emanating from his failure to settle $450 in maintenance arrears.

Sibanda’s ex-wife, Sibonginkosi Mpofu later withdrew the charges after advising the court that he had since paid the outstanding money.

Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo, said Sibanda was in January 2014, ordered to pay $350 each month for the upkeep of his two children.

The court heard that for December, 2015, and January, 2016 payments, $450 remained unpaid.

Sibanda told magistrate Tashaya that he runs some supermarkets in Tshabalala and Nkulumane suburbs but his businesses were not performing well.

He claimed that his ex-wife enjoyed dragging him to court instead of engaging him to resolve issues.

“Things aren’t moving well in my business, but I’m trying my best not to be in arrears,” he said.

Mpofu who took to the witness stand said Sibanda had cleared the $450 arrears after he was arrested.

“He cleared the debt yesterday and owes me $50 which is for March,” she said.

Magistrate Tashaya said the couple should communicate and ordered Sibanda to pay the outstanding amount.

Tashaya said Sibanda should not default paying the maintenance as doing so was contempt of court.

“Your children are your responsibility and you shouldn’t be forced to look after them,” he said.