'Mother’ in the dock over maintenance dispute

A man who paid more than $32 000 child maintenance for a non-existent child, had his former partner arrested for theft by false pretences. eSwatini national Babongile Mkhonta is accused of fraudulently receiving maintenance money from Sihle Ndlovu for a child that never existed. According to the Swaziland News, Mkhonta, who is now married, claimed that Ndlovu sent her money electronically and he did so voluntarily. IoL notes that it was reported that Mkhonta received the money between 2019 and April 2024. Ndlovu allegedly paid Mkhonta R5 000 monthly for child maintenance and he was also made to pay for additional expenses which came to over $15 500. Mkhonta was arrested on 10 October, but released on condition that she brings the child to the Manzini Magistrate’s Court the following day. However, she failed to do so and was rearrested.