A 36-year-old man from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after spending US$1,800 that his wife had entrusted to him for safekeeping. Trymore Shoko appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates Court, where he was convicted of unreasonable disposal of matrimonial property after failing to return the money to his wife, Thembelihle Mercy Mabhena.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu informed the court that between December last year and May this year, Mabhena gave her husband various sums of money to hold on her behalf. The arrangement proceeded without any issues until May 13, when Mabhena requested the return of the cash. Shoko allegedly could not produce the money, leading his wife to file a police report that ultimately resulted in his arrest.
Sentence and Conditions
Presiding Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube sentenced Shoko to 12 months in prison. Six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offense during that period. The remaining six months were also suspended on the condition that he repays the US$1,800 to his wife before July 17. During sentencing, Magistrate Ncube emphasized the importance of trust within marriage and warned against misusing property entrusted by a spouse.
Shoko now faces the task of repaying the money before the court-imposed deadline, or he will risk serving the custodial sentence.
