adminBenedict Muzhindu, of Number 22 Pearl Avenue, North End, is now facing a charge of contempt of court for continuously defying the Maintenance Court order, which ordered him to pay for the upkeep of the child every month.
The age of the child was not readily available in court.
Muzhindu yesterday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa, but was not formally charged with the offence.
Muzhindu and his wife, Mrs Mariya Muzhindu (64) have been having problems with their marriage since the start of the year until the wife sought the intervention of the court in February.
Muzhindu was ordered to pay $50 per month for the upkeep of the child but defaulted.
He only paid for one month prompting the wife to consult the same court on 1 April seeking a payment of the outstanding money and a variation of the monthly payout, which was granted.
After the granting of the variation, Muzhindu was ordered to pay $280 per month.
The allegations levelled against Muzhindu are that he failed to comply with the court order, resulting in the monthly payouts accumulating to $1 170, which the wife is now claiming.
In his defence, Muzhindu said he could not have paid the money because the wife has been collecting rentals from their tenants since January 2011.
He said she should use the money for the upkeep of the child.
The case continues today for plea recording while Mrs Muzhindu is expected to testify.
Mr Shepherd Nhamburo is representing the State.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter