HARARE – A prominent Harare lawyer, Nyasha Pamella Timba, is at the centre of a bitter dispute with her estranged husband, Alexius Manyanda, who has been remanded in custody following allegations of unpaid maintenance, contempt of court, and making threats.
Manyanda, who spent the weekend in custody, is scheduled to appear in court today for a bail hearing. The case has drawn considerable attention, given Timba’s standing in the legal community. She is the managing partner of Devittie, Rudolph & Timba Legal Practitioners and was recognised as the Outstanding Advocate and Legal Leader of the Year at the 2019 Megafest Women Awards.
The prosecution’s case rests on several allegations. Firstly, it is alleged that Manyanda failed to comply with a maintenance order issued by the Harare Magistrate Court on August 15, under case number M1816/25. The order stipulated that Manyanda should pay US$1,100 for the application and registration fees for the couple’s child at Heritage School.
Furthermore, he was instructed to pay US$1,945 in school fees for the same child for the third term and each subsequent term. The court also mandated a monthly payment of US$1,100 directly to the institutions providing Occupational and Speech Therapy for the child. In addition to these expenses, Manyanda was also directed to pay US$3,870 in school fees for a second child, starting from the third term and continuing thereafter, effective from August 30 of this year.
According to the prosecution, Manyanda has failed to meet these financial obligations, accumulating arrears of US$8,020.
The second count against Manyanda relates to alleged breaches of a domestic violence court order. Prosecutors claim that on July 14, the Harare Magistrate Court issued an order under case number DV1680/25, instructing Manyanda to refrain from any form of physical or verbal abuse towards Timba.
However, it is alleged that on September 9, at the ZRP Borrowdale charge office in Harare, Manyanda violated this order. The prosecution alleges that Manyanda physically assaulted Timba by reaching across the counter and forcefully pushing her hand, which was holding a cellphone. He accused her of recording him.
The situation allegedly escalated as Manyanda verbally abused Timba and issued threats against her life for reporting his failure to pay maintenance. He allegedly said: “You will regret this, uchandiona. This will end messy, mark my words.”
The prosecution further alleges that Manyanda stated: “Ndichakukuvadza, hazvipere pasina ropa, I have paid the police US$500 hapana zvaunondiita” (I will harm you, this will not end without bloodshed, I have paid the police US$500, you can do nothing to me).
These alleged statements and actions form the basis of the contempt of court and threats charges against Manyanda. The court will now have to consider the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence before making a determination on the matter.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges often associated with divorce and maintenance disputes, particularly when they involve allegations of domestic abuse and non-compliance with court orders. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, are held accountable for their actions.
As Manyanda awaits his bail hearing, the legal proceedings are expected to be closely followed by the public and the legal community alike. T
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