Harare Man Faces Jail Over US$23k Child Support Debt
A Harare man faces a 12-month jail term if he fails to clear US$22,820 in child support arrears by November 30.
Brightwell Manyerenyere, 44, who works for MultiChoice, was convicted of maintenance default at the Harare Magistrates Courts and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
The sentence was wholly suspended on condition that he pays the full amount owed to his ex-wife, Sharon Vongayi Gapare, 38, by November 30, 2026.
Prosecutor Essel Zinhiva told the court Manyerenyere’s obligations stem from a High Court order issued on December 14, 2023.
Under the order, he was required to pay US$120 per child every month, provide 30 litres of petrol monthly for the two children, cover 50 percent of school fees and related expenses, and contribute 60 percent towards groceries and clothing.
The court heard he willfully defaulted between February 2024 and September 2026, including third term fees for 2026, leaving Gapare to carry the burden alone.
The unpaid obligations have now ballooned to US$22,820.
If he fails to pay by the deadline, the suspended jail term will be activated. – ZimLive