Bulawayo Man Jailed for Maintenance Arrears

A Bulawayo man has been jailed for failing to pay child maintenance after accumulating US$210 in arrears, highlighting courts’ firm stance on defaulters (image source)

BULAWAYO — A 34-year-old man from Mahatshula North has been sentenced to six months in prison after failing to comply with a court-ordered child maintenance obligation, accumulating arrears amounting to US$210.

Takaedza Togarepi pleaded guilty at the Western Commonage Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube imposed the sentence. Togarepi will serve three months in prison, while the remaining three months were suspended for three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. The suspended portion is further conditional upon him 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 maintenance order required him to continue payments until the child reaches the age of 18. However, the court heard that Togarepi failed to make consistent payments between 30 July and 30 November, resulting in the accumulation of arrears.

A police report was subsequently filed, leading to his arrest and appearance before the court. In passing sentence, Magistrate Ncube stressed that child maintenance orders are legally binding and must be respected, warning that failure to comply directly compromises the welfare and wellbeing of children.

Child rights advocates say the case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by custodial parents—most often mothers—who are left struggling to meet children’s basic needs when maintenance payments are neglected. Legal experts note that courts are increasingly adopting a firm approach to maintenance defaulters, with custodial sentences being used as a deterrent to enforce accountability and protect children’s rights.