Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A 44-year-old Harare man has been ordered to clear US$22 820 in maintenance arrears by the end of November or risk serving a jail term after defying a High Court order to support his two minor children for more than two years.
Brightwell Manyerenyere, who is employed by MultiChoice, was convicted of maintenance default when he appeared before a Harare magistrate on Monday.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with the sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour and that he pays the outstanding maintenance arrears.
The State, led by Ms Essel Zinhiva, proved that on December 14, 2023, the High Court ordered Manyerenyere to contribute 50 percent of his children’s school fees and school-related expenses, as well as 60 percent of their grocery and clothing expenses.
He was also ordered to pay US$120 per child and provide 30 litres of petrol per month for both children.
The court heard that Manyerenyere willfully failed to comply with the order from February 2024 to September 2026, accumulating arrears of US$22 820.
He also failed to pay the children’s school fees for the third term of 2026, adding to the outstanding amount owed to his former wife, Sharon Vongayi Gapare (38).
The court ordered him to settle the arrears by the end of November 2026.
