adminHlabile Dube Court Reporter
“I DON’T mind going to prison,” a Bulawayo man shouted at a magistrate as he resisted paying maintenance for his three minor children. Caleb Qongo could not hide his frustration in court where his estranged wife, Priscilla, demanded $400 from him for the upkeep of their children. He told magistrate Vimbai Mtukwa it was not true that he was not supporting his children and sought a court order to withdraw the case.
“There was a mistake when the court ordered me to pay maintenance because I am supporting my children,” he argued.
“I have receipts to prove that I’m paying their school fees. I told the magistrate that I won’t be able to pay maintenance.”
When Mtukwa quizzed him about the maintenance default payment for January and February and the risk of being charged for contempt of court, he bellowed: “I don’t mind going to prison. I don’t care about that. I am not paying the maintenance.”
Mtukwa blasted: “Are you aware of your debts? Don’t approach the court if you haven’t paid maintenance debts.”
She ordered him to clear the $400 maintenance debt for the two month period before applying for withdrawal.
Online Reporter