adminMunyaradzi Doma in Zvishavane
A Zvishavane-based police officer has been slapped with a four-month jail term after being convicted for disregarding a maintenance order which led to him accruing $1 677 in arrears.
Ignatius Maunganidze (29) had his jail term wholly suspended on condition that he paid the arrears forthwith, as Zvishavane magistrate Mr Shepherd Mjanja said he did not deserve any grace period. Mr Mnjanja blasted Maunganidze for his conduct, saying he had shown total disregard for the law, hence a deterrent sentence had to be imposed.
He also heard that Maunganidze had absconded court after the case was remanded only to be arrested for defaulting. Agreed facts were that on October 19 last year, Maunganidze was ordered by a Zvishavane magistrate to pay $150 to Portia Madhovhoyo for the minor’s upkeep.
It was proved that Maunganidze failed to religiously pay the amount, leading to him accruing the arrears. Maunganidze failed to notify the Clerk of Court in writing why he was failing to pay the money, leading to his arrest.
Online Reporter