Orchestra Dendera Kings frontman Sulumani Chimbetu yesterday pleaded with the court to intervene and grant him a peace order against his ex-wife whom he accused of abusing him in an emotionally and highly charged maintenance trial.

Chimbetu (35) was taken to court by Marygold Mutemasango, who accused him of failing to pay $800 for the upkeep of their two minor children. His contention is that he has complied with the court order and accused his ex-wife of bringing malicious charges against him in a bid to humiliate and embarrass him.

Chimbetu’s trial commenced yesterday following the dismissal of his application for referral of the matter to the Constitutional Court. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before magistrate Ms Annia Ndiraya.