41-year-old Jubert Tshuma was afraid of impregnating his wife and adding another mouth to feed so he decided to avoid having sex with her for 10 months, a Zimbabwean court heard.

According to myzimbabwe.co.zw, the startling revelation was made by Tshuma’s live-in partner Prisca Saiti, 34 during his appearance at the maintenance court.

Tshuma allegedly appeared in court on charges of failing pay $60 per month for the upkeep of their two children aged eight and two.

"For 10 months we have had no sex. He avoids me claiming if we sleep together we might have another child and he would not be able to provide for the child since he is struggling with the two we have," Saiti who has two other children from her previous marriage was quoted saying.

The couple have reportedly been living together for 10 years.

Speaking to reporters outside court, Tshuma reportedly blamed distance and stress for failing to perform his ‘husband’ duties.

"We are failing to agree on a number of issues. I am not working and at some point she came from the rural areas and dumped the children and went away. As for not sleeping with her, it could be true because she was in the rural areas for most of the time and you know sometimes that if you are stressed there are some things you cannot do. I am struggling so I am afraid of having more children," he reportedly said.

Saiti is however willing to drop the case provided that her partner agrees to change his behaviour or moves out of their home in Mkhosana township.