A 36-year-old man from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after allegedly spending US$1,800 that his wife 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.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that between December last year and May this year, Mabhena handed over various amounts of money to her husband to keep on her behalf. The arrangement reportedly continued without problems until May 13, when she requested the return of the funds.
According to the prosecution, Shoko was unable to produce the money, leading his wife to file a police report that resulted in his arrest.
Presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube sentenced Shoko to 12 months behind bars. However, six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence 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.
While delivering judgment, Magistrate Ncube emphasised the importance of trust in marriage and cautioned against the misuse of property entrusted by a spouse.
Shoko is now required to repay the money before the court-imposed deadline or risk serving the custodial sentence.
