Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A 34-year-old man from Mahatshula North in Bulawayo has been sentenced to six months in prison for failing to pay maintenance for his child, racking up arrears of US$210.
Takaedza Togarepi pleaded guilty to failing to pay maintenance at the Western Commonage Magistrates’ Court, where magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube handed down the sentence.
He will serve three months in prison, while the remaining three months are suspended for three years on condition he does not commit a similar offence during that time.
The suspended portion is also conditional on his paying US$120 of the outstanding arrears by 16 January.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on 7 July, Togarepi had been ordered to pay US$70 per month towards the upkeep of his child following an application by his former wife, Thendani Ndlovu (34). The order required him to continue payments until the child turns 18.
However, Togarepi stopped making consistent payments from 30 July to 30 November, leading to arrears of US$210. A police report was filed, resulting in his arrest and court appearance.
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