Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 36-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after what the court described as a very expensive case of “trust issues” involving US$1 800 belonging to his wife.
Trymore Shoko of Nkulumane suburb now has time to reflect on budgeting, responsibility and marriage etiquette after squandering money his wife had given him for safekeeping.
Prosecuting, Cathrine Kuzu, said between December 12 last year and May 13 this year Shoko’s wife, Thembelihle Mercy Mabhena (36), began entrusting him with different amounts of cash for safekeeping.
At first, everything looked normal. Smiles, promises and “don’t worry I’ve got it” energy filled the household.
Things changed when Mabhena asked for her money back.
“On May 13, the complainant asked her husband to hand over the cash, but he failed to do so. A police report was made leading to his arrest,” said Kuzu.
The money was never recovered, leaving both the court and the complainant wondering whether it invested itself, migrated or simply vanished into Nkulumane thin air.
Gasps of disbelief rippled through the Western Commonage courtroom as magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube delivered the sentence for unreasonable disposal of matrimonial property.
From the 12-month sentence, six months were suspended for five years on condition that Shoko does not repeat the same “financial gymnastics” during that period.
The remaining six months were further suspended on condition that he refunds his wife US$1 800 before July 17, a deadline that now appears more terrifying than prison itself.
Magistrate Ncube was not in a laughing mood as he ruled that matrimonial trust is not a “withdraw and forget ATM arrangement.”
Shoko now faces the uncomfortable reality of either raising US$1 800 or spending time behind bars.
