MultiChoice Employee Ordered To Pay US$22,820 Child Maintenance Arrears Or Face Jail
A MultiChoice employee has been ordered to pay US$22,820 (approximately R408,000) in outstanding child maintenance by 30 November 2026 or risk serving a 12-month prison sentence. Brightwell Manyerenyere, 44, was convicted of failing to meet his maintenance obligations following a High Court order covering his two children.
The ruling was delivered by a Harare magistrate after the court heard that Manyerenyere had failed to meet several financial obligations towards his children. His former wife, Sharon Vongayi Gapare, 38, was left dealing with the outstanding payments.
The case was reported by ZimLive on 27 October 2026.
High Court Maintenance Order And Outstanding Debt
Prosecutor Essel Zinhiva told the court that a High Court order issued on 14 December 2023 required Manyerenyere to provide monthly financial support for his children.
His obligations included US$120 (approximately R2,150) per child each month, 30 litres of petrol monthly for the children, half of their school fees and related expenses, and 60% of their grocery and clothing costs.
However, the court heard that he failed to comply with the order between February 2024 and September 2026. His outstanding obligations also included school fees for the third term of 2026.
The arrears eventually reached US$22,820 (approximately R408,000).
12-Month Jail Sentence Suspended On Conditions
Manyerenyere was sentenced to 12 months in prison for maintenance default. The custodial sentence was suspended subject to conditions, including good behaviour and payment of the outstanding arrears.
He must settle the full amount by 30 November 2026. Failure to comply could trigger the suspended prison sentence.
The ruling places a clear deadline on the outstanding maintenance debt, with the payment condition determining whether Manyerenyere avoids imprisonment.
The post MultiChoice Employee Faces Jail After US$23k Child Maintenance Debt appeared first on iHarare News.
