News / National
Kingdom Blue boss convicted over maintenance wrangle
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Flamboyant businessman Brilliant Ncube, the man behind the high-end Kingdom Blue Funeral Services brand, has been convicted of contempt of court after failing to comply with a court order to pay spousal maintenance to his estranged wife, Sibonguthando Ncube.
Ncube, known for his sharp suits and luxurious lifestyle, was found guilty by Bulawayo Magistrate Beverly Madzikatire on Thursday following a series of closed-door court appearances that have flown under the public radar - until now.
He was sentenced to three months in jail, wholly suspended on the condition that he pays US$2 400 to Sibonguthando by July 31, 2025. Failure to meet the payment deadline could result in his incarceration.
The case stems from a maintenance order issued on October 26, 2023 (Case No. M282/23), which required Ncube to make regular financial contributions to his ex-wife. The State had alleged that Ncube racked up US$6 550 in arrears after missing multiple payments.
In his defence, Ncube argued - through his legal counsel - that he had made payments, albeit outside the formal system, including cash handovers. Sibonguthando admitted to receiving US$3 200 from him directly.
However, the court dismissed the informal arrangements, stressing that compliance with court-ordered financial obligations must be verifiable and documented.
"The accused may have paid some amounts, but the law requires that court orders be followed transparently and with records," Magistrate Madzikatire ruled.
Cross-examination revealed that the actual defaults were limited to February and March 2025, although the failure to provide formal receipts weakened Ncube's case.
The legal drama adds another chapter to Ncube's high-profile public image. His funeral business has made headlines for hosting lavish celebrity send-offs and rolling out imported hearses - earning him both admiration and scrutiny in equal measure.
With the court handing down a suspended sentence, Ncube now faces a race against time to settle the US$2 400 by month-end or risk swapping his designer suits for prison overalls.
Ncube, known for his sharp suits and luxurious lifestyle, was found guilty by Bulawayo Magistrate Beverly Madzikatire on Thursday following a series of closed-door court appearances that have flown under the public radar - until now.
He was sentenced to three months in jail, wholly suspended on the condition that he pays US$2 400 to Sibonguthando by July 31, 2025. Failure to meet the payment deadline could result in his incarceration.
The case stems from a maintenance order issued on October 26, 2023 (Case No. M282/23), which required Ncube to make regular financial contributions to his ex-wife. The State had alleged that Ncube racked up US$6 550 in arrears after missing multiple payments.
In his defence, Ncube argued - through his legal counsel - that he had made payments, albeit outside the formal system, including cash handovers. Sibonguthando admitted to receiving US$3 200 from him directly.
However, the court dismissed the informal arrangements, stressing that compliance with court-ordered financial obligations must be verifiable and documented.
"The accused may have paid some amounts, but the law requires that court orders be followed transparently and with records," Magistrate Madzikatire ruled.
Cross-examination revealed that the actual defaults were limited to February and March 2025, although the failure to provide formal receipts weakened Ncube's case.
The legal drama adds another chapter to Ncube's high-profile public image. His funeral business has made headlines for hosting lavish celebrity send-offs and rolling out imported hearses - earning him both admiration and scrutiny in equal measure.
With the court handing down a suspended sentence, Ncube now faces a race against time to settle the US$2 400 by month-end or risk swapping his designer suits for prison overalls.
Source - bmetro
