The ManicaPost
Court Reporter
A NYANGA businessman was slapped with a 12-month jail term after he was convicted of defaulting to pay maintenance towards the upkeep of his two children.
Rodgers Pikani Fumphanda who runs Nzungundamenya Bar was hauled before Mrs Gloria Takundwa for contravening Section 23 of the Maintenance Act, Chapter 5:09.
He pleaded guilty as charged.
Of the 12 months, six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining six months were set aside in the event that he pays $2 025 in maintenance arrears by December 31 this year.
Public prosecutor, Mrs Anesu Tsikwa, told the court that Fumphanda was married to Veronica Maraura and they sired two children.
“On a date unknown to the prosecutor in 2014, the accused person was ordered by a Nyanga Magistrate Court to pay $75 per month for the upkeep of his minor child who is staying with the complainant following their divorce.
“During the period extending from April 2016 up to date, the accused person failed or negligently defaulted to pay $2 025 for maintenance as directed by the court.”
Through his actions of disregarding the order of the court, said Mrs Tsikwa, the accused person impaired the dignity, reputation and or authority of the court.
