Husband jailed after spending wife’s savings

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 entrusted to him by his wife for safekeeping.

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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 her husband different sums of money to keep on her behalf. According to the prosecution, the arrangement continued without incident until May 13 when Mabhena requested the return of the cash.

Shoko allegedly failed to produce the money, prompting his wife to file a police report that eventually led to his arrest. Presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube sentenced Shoko to 12 months in prison.

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.

During sentencing, Magistrate Ncube stressed 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 risk serving the custodial sentence.