HARARE - Businessman-cum musician Energy Mutodi yesterday failed to show up at court in Harare to answer allegations by estranged wife Tariro Chirende that he is neglecting their child.

The flamboyant artist’s 24-year-old wife wants Mutodi to pay costs of maintaining the couple’s three-year-old son after their relationship collapsed late last year.

Mutodi was customarily married to Chirende.

Magistrate Tatenda Manhatsva postponed the case to March 21 after lawyers representing Mutodi said he was busy and would only be free then.

Chirende, a Seke Teachers’ College student, last month told the court Mutodi has failed to take care of the toddler since the time he kicked her out of their Charlotte Brooke matrimonial home in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale.

She wants Mutodi to pay $1 500 as monthly maintenance.

Last month, Chirende filed for a peace order, claiming the musician assaulted her and infected her with a sexually transmitted disease.

The court heard that Mutodi would assault her with open hands, fists and booted feet as well as electric cables over the past four years of their marriage, prompting her to file for a divorce and peace order.

Mutodi has previously dismissed the allegations, arguing Chirende was cheating on him.

He accused her of having an affair with one Phenias Chimusoro, allegedly a self-claimed prophet.

Mutodi further argued Chirende is unstable owing to weak parentage, stating: “Her mother is a politician — so there is no time for parental guardianship to the children no wonder why they are unstable.” - Shame Manesa