JOHANNESBURG - The former president's grandson had reportedly failed to appear in court for failing to pay maintenance to his first wife Tando Mabunu-Mandela.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesman Luxolo Tyali told City Press the Thembu chief had missed three monthly payments to his estranged wife.

"In court today, maintenance investigator Mr Agrippa Gameni Mvelase informed the presiding magistrate Mdodana that Mr Mandela refused to accept summons when they were served to him on July 11 2012," Tyali reportedly said.

Mandela and his wife were in the process of a divorce, which was being complicated by a tussle over assets. He was ordered by the Mthatha High Court to pay for his wife's upkeep, pending finalisation of the divorce.

City Press wrote that after Mandela's failure to appear, the State applied for a garnishee order to deduct the money from his salary, and for a warrant of arrest.

The case was postponed to September 20, pending the arrest.