Lawyer's estranged hubby remanded over maintenance

A high-profile domestic dispute has spilled into the courts after Harare lawyer Nyasha Pamella Timba, the managing partner of Devittie, Rudolph & Timba Legal Practitioners, had her estranged husband Alexius Manyanda arrested and remanded in custody over allegations of failing to pay maintenance, contempt of court, and threats of violence.

Manyanda spent the weekend in remand custody following his initial court appearance and is expected back in court today for a bail hearing.

Prosecutors told the court that on August 15, under case number M1816/25, Manyanda was ordered by the Harare Magistrates Court to pay US$1,100 in application and registration fees for the couple's child at Heritage School, US$1,945 in school fees per term, and US$1,100 monthly for Occupational and Speech Therapy fees. He was also directed to pay US$3,870 in school fees per term for their second child starting August 30.

Despite the court order, Manyanda allegedly defaulted on payments and is now in arrears of US$8,020.

In a separate matter under case number DV1680/25, the court had previously ordered Manyanda to refrain from physically or verbally abusing Timba. However, on September 9, at ZRP Borrowdale charge office, he allegedly assaulted Timba by forcefully pushing her hand while accusing her of recording him on her cellphone.

Prosecutors further alleged that Manyanda verbally abused and threatened Timba's life, reportedly saying: "You will regret this, uchandiona. This will end messy, mark my words. Ndichakukuvadza, hazvipere pasina ropa. I have paid the police US$500, hapana zvaunondiita."

Timba, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe's legal fraternity, rose to national recognition in 2019 when she won the Outstanding Advocate and Legal Leader of the Year (Platinum Award) at the Megafest Women Awards.

The case has drawn widespread attention in Harare's legal circles, given Timba's stature in the profession and the serious allegations against her estranged husband.