Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A Bulawayo man has been sentenced to nine months in prison for failing to pay maintenance and school fees for his two minor children for a year.
Marvin Dalroy Zuwa Dalson (34) from Nketa 9 suburb had accumulated maintenance arrears amounting to US$810 and school fees.
However, the nine months prison term has been wholly suspended on condition the offender restitutes the complainant, Shingirayi Mpofu (29), through the clerk of court at the Western Commonage Courts.
He will be released upon full payment of the arrears, said magistrate, Mrs Melinda Mufungidza.
The accused person pleaded guilty to the charges of failure to pay maintenance.
Prosecuting, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, told the court that the accused person is the ex-husband of the complainant.
The court heard that Marvin once appeared before Western Commonage magistrate courts and was ordered to pay a US$60 maintenance fee every month and school fees for his two minor children, effective from March 2024 until they attain the age of 18 or become self-supporting, whichever comes first.
Marvin, who failed to fulfil the court’s order, was dragged back to court by his ex-wife for failing to pay maintenance and school fees for his two minor children.
derick.khumalo