Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru-In a recent ruling, Senior Civil Court Magistrate in Gweru Blessings Tsingano significantly reduced Gweru businessman Morton Mabandla’s monthly maintenance payments from $10,000 to $600, a 94% decrease ignited debate in the streets of Gweru.
The decision was received with mixed feelings, sparking intense debate. Some argue that the reduction is justified, given the change in circumstances. Others contend that the drastic reduction will victimise the victimised forever.
On June 30, 2024, Magistrate Patricia Gwetsayi ordered Mabandla to pay $10,000 monthly and a $15,000 once-off payment for medical bills to his vulnerable wife, Stella Mabandla. However, Mabandla defaulted on approximately $25,000 in payments, leading to a warrant of arrest.
Stella Mabandla’s lawyer, Esau Mandipa, argued that Mabandla’s history of defaulting on payments should disqualify him from receiving relief from the court. Mandipa contends that Mabandla approached the court with “dirty hands,” having wilfully neglected his familial responsibilities.
The incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness and willingness of law enforcement agencies to uphold the law. As the public continues to weigh in on the matter, one thing is clear: the welfare of all parties involved must remain the top priority.
However, the court of public opinion is divided on the matter. Some argue that the reduction is reasonable, given the change in conditions. Others contend that the drastic reduction will unfairly burden the dependent spouse. While the court’s decision is final, the debate surrounding it highlights the need for transparency and accountability in maintenance cases. As the public continues to weigh in on the matter, one thing is clear: the welfare of all parties involved must remain the top priority. On June 30, 2024, at the same court Magistrate Patricia Gwetsayi ordered Mabandla to pay US$10,000 in monthly maintenance payments and $15,000 once off payment for medical bills to his vulnerable wife Stella Mabandla.The former Lingfield Private College core-owner is in default of about US$25,000 in maintenance payments to the seemingly in poor health wife of over 40 years.
On his first attempt, Mabandla’s first approach to the court seeking help to suspend the maintenance was initially shot down by fellow civil court magistrate Vimbayi Chirayi. The magistrate ruled that the applicant Mabandla should first clear his maintenance arrears before making any court application or appeal. It is then that a warrant of arrest was availed by the court under case number M438/24.
“The respondent defaulted in paying maintenance. Please investigate as it is a criminal offence interms of section 23 of maintenance Act Chapter 5:09. Once completed please open a docket and prosecute the respondent,” read the warrant addressed to the officer in-charge Gweru Central Police station on 5 November 2024. Despite the issued warrant, Mabandla remains at large, with reports suggesting that he is often seen at Gweru Central Police station, allegedly taunting the law. The inaction of the police officers only identified as Constable Nkomo and Sergeant Dhobha, was received with concern. It has been over a month and half since the warrant was issued, and yet he is reported to be walking scotfree and reportedly boasting of being untouchable in Gweru.
Before the ruling Stella Mabandla’s lawyer, Esau Mandipa, had argued that Mabandla’s history of defaulting on his maintenance payments should disqualify him from receiving any relief from the court. The lawyer, Mandipa contends that Mabandla is approaching the court with “dirty hands,” having wilfully neglected his familial responsibilities.
Stella Mabandla
