Husband Jailed After Blowing Wife’s US$1 800 Savings

By Staff Reporter

BULAWAYO-A 36-year-old man from Nkulumane has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after spending US$1 800 that his wife had entrusted him to keep for safekeeping.

Trymore Shoko appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates Court facing charges of unreasonable disposal of matrimonial property after failing to return the money to his wife, Thembelihle Mercy Mabhena.

According to prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu, Mabhena had handed over different amounts of money to her husband between December last year and May this year for safekeeping. The arrangement reportedly went smoothly until May 13, when she requested the return of the funds.

However, Shoko allegedly failed to produce the money, leading Mabhena to file a police report which resulted in his arrest.

Presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube sentenced Shoko to 12 months behind bars. 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 suspended on condition that he repays the US$1 800 to his wife before July 17.

During sentencing, Magistrate Ncube stressed the importance of trust and accountability in marriage, warning against the misuse of property entrusted by a spouse.

Shoko must now repay the money before the court deadline or risk serving the effective prison term.