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Plaxcedes Hove Court Reporter
A PASTOR who was ordained on Sunday appeared in court yesterday charged with violating a court order directing him to pay maintenance for his two minor children.
Itai Tauya, 32, appeared before western Commonage magistrate Tancy Dube for violating the court order issued last December to pay $260 per month.

He defaulted for some months and has arrears amounting to $595.

Tauya, who did not state the name of his church, was sentenced to six months in prison.

Three months were suspended on condition of good behaviour and the other three months were suspended on condition that he pays his ex-wife Zvifadzo Chindundu the outstanding amount on or before October 30. Prosecuting Kenneth Shava said Tauya was ordered to pay maintenance for his two minor children in December 2012.

“On 31 December, Tauya failed to comply with a court order which compelled him to maintain his two children on $260 per month,” he said.

The order was issued on December 5 last year.

Tauya pleaded guilty to the charge and told the court that he was experiencing financial problems when he defaulted.

He, however, promised to pay as he was also now engaged in some business ventures.

“Your Worship, I had lost my job and I was not used to being unemployed. I will pay all the money I owe. I am now also into buying and selling goods so I know I will manage to pay,” he said.