Pay maintenance or get arrested

Natasha Mbewe

A FATHER of three, who made frantic efforts to resist paying maintenance, was yesterday warned to abide by the court order or face arrest.

Cited as T Mapiki in summons, the man was dragged to the Harare Civil  Court by his wife, Spiwe Mapiki.

In his defence, during the court hearing, Mapiki said he was unemployed.

“I do not work and cannot afford the money,” he said.

“The last time I failed to pay the money and ended up being arrested until my relatives came to pay the required money.

“My relatives have even offered to cater for the children but she has refused,” he said.

Mapiki was then warned by Harare magistrate, Judith Taruvinga, that he was supposed to choose between jail or paying maintenance.

After the warning, Mapiki agreed to pay $30 000, for the upkeep of his children.