Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 21-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman, who failed to comply with a court order compelling her to allow her ex-husband access to their minor child, narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after the jail term imposed on her was wholly suspended.
Ratidzo Shumba of Emganwini suburb was convicted on her own plea of guilty to failing to comply with a court order by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
She was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that she does not, within the next three years, commit a similar offence.
During the trial, the complainant, Mr Njabulo Mzizi (30), told the court that he was deeply distressed by Shumba’s conduct, saying she had consistently denied him access to their child despite a lawful court directive.
Prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on January 16, 2026, Mr Mzizi was granted a court order allowing him access to his minor child on alternate weekends between 10AM and 4PM.
The court heard that on February 7, 2026, Mr Mzizi went to Shumba’s residence with the intention of exercising his visitation rights, but she refused to allow him to see the child.
After being denied access, Mr Mzizi reported the matter to the police, resulting in Shumba’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
