Footballer off the hook

Court Reporter
A Chitungwiza magistrate last week acquitted former Warriors midfielder Ramson Zhuwawo of allegations of failing to pay US$9 100 in maintenance arrears for the upkeep of his two children.Zhuwawo (29) of Mufakose played for Dynamos, Gunners and Eiffel Flats football clubs locally, before he turned out for Amazulu of South Africa which offloaded him recently.

He denied contravening the Maintenance Act when he appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo. He was acquitted on the basis that by the time the papers were served he was in South Africa.

This was after his wife, Stella Rufaro Mapiye, (33) confirmed during trial that she sent the summons to Zhuwawo via an e-mail.
Mr Murendo found Zhuwawo not guilty and acquitted him saying the Maintenance Act stipulates that if the person is staying in a reciprocating country the order should be served through the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Allegations were that Zhuwawo was ordered by a Harare magistrate on September 25, 2012 to pay US$800 monthly maintenance for his two children.

It was alleged that he only paid US$500 from February this year.