EX-MP Madzore falls on hard times

FORMER MDC-T Glen View South legislator Paul Madzore has hit hard times and is failing to cater for his two children. Madzore told magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe that ever since he lost his parliamentary seat, his life has never been the same as he has no other source of income.

Madzore (46) who is in arrears of $1 040, was taken to court by his former wife Philda Kanengoni for failing to pay maintenance.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Madzore, however, escaped jail by a whisker after Mr Mahwe slapped him with a three-month jail term which was wholly suspended on condition he pays the money on or before April 29.

Madzore pleaded for the court's leniency and asked for time to pay on the basis that his financial position has substantially changed.

"Your Worship, I am admitting to the charge but the problem is that I am not employed at the moment. I am no longer a Member of Parliament," he said.

"If the court can grant me at least two months to clear the arrears, I can run around and look for the money."

He told the court that he had $100 in his pockets which he was ordered to pay forthwith towards the maintenance.

On October 30, 2013, Madzore was ordered by the Civil Court to pay a monthly maintenance fee of $300 for the upkeep of his two children.

He started defaulting payment in December last year.

Ms Francesca Mukumbiri prosecuted.