Prosper Dembedza
H-Metro Correspondent
A HARARE man, who had defied court orders to pay maintenance for his two children, for three years, now faces the possibility of spending a YEAR in prison.
Brightwell Manyerenyere, 44, who is employed by MultiChoice Zimbabwe, was found guilty of maintenance default, when he appeared before a Harare magistrate.
He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment of which two months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining 10 months were also set aside on condition that he pays US$22,820 in maintenance arrears to his ex-wife Sharon Vongayi Gapare (38), before end of next month.
The State, led by Essel Zinhiva, proved that that on December 14, 2023, Manyerenyere was ordered by the court to contribute 50% of his children’s school fees and school-related expenses.
He was also ordered to contribute 60% of all groceries and clothing expenses and to pay US$120 per child, together with 30 litres petrol, in respect of both children, every month.
The court heard that Manyerenyere unlawfully and intentionally defied the order by failing to pay maintenance and other expenses from February 2024 to September this year.
