adminWynne Zanamwe, Midlands Reporter
A MAN from Gweru has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for defaulting on maintenance payments until he was in arrears of over $8 200.
Enock Musingwi (38) of Residel Court at the corner of Selous and 7th street in Gweru pleaded guilty to one count of defaulting in paying maintenance when he appeared before Gweru Magistrate Mr Musaiona Shotgame.
Musingwi was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment which will be suspended on condition he pays his ex-wife Phyeciathy Mazonde $8 237.
In passing sentence, Mr Shotgame said citizens should abide by orders and sentences passed by the courts.
“Although the accused person pleaded guilty to the charge he should have done what the court had asked him to do. Hence if we give him time to pay there will be no justice that would have been done,” said Mr Shotgame.
In his defence, Musingwi said he has not been employed since July in 2014 hence his failure to meet his obligations.
Prosecuting, Mr Andrew Marimo said Musingwi and Mazonde had one child.
“In December 2013 at Gweru Civil Court, Musingwi was ordered by a competent court to pay a sum of $300 per month as maintenance in respect of his minor child through the complainant’s bank account. Musingwi failed or ignored to comply with the court order and did not pay for the months of July 2014 to December 2016 bringing the arrears to $9 000. Musingwi then paid $763 through Eco cash and RTGS,” said Mr Marimo.
@wynnezane
Online Reporter