Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 33-year-old woman from Bulawayo has been sentenced to perform 105 hours of community service after gambling away US$700 that her husband had entrusted to her for safekeeping.
Simeleni Dube of Nketa 8 suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Mehluli Moyo, facing a charge of unreasonable disposal of property.
Dube pleaded guilty and was initially sentenced to six months in prison, with three months suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The remaining three months were suspended on condition that she completes 105 hours of community service at Manondwane Primary School, starting Friday, and finishes within four weeks.
Prosecutor Ms Mandrela Chisiiwa told the court that the accused is married to the complainant. On October 14, at around 6:20AM, the complainant, Tawanda Mugodhi (43), gave his wife US$700 to keep safely at their home.
Four days later, Mugodhi asked for the money, but Dube failed to produce it, claiming she had lent it to someone else.
When Mugodhi realised his wife could not return the money, he reported the matter to the police, leading to her arrest.
During the trial, Mr Moyo asked Dube where the money had gone. She then admitted that she had used it to gamble on cards in town and lost everything.
In a surprising turn, Mugodhi told the court that he forgives his wife and requested that she should not be ordered to repay the money, explaining that she does not have the funds and that he is the one who provides for her.
Bongani Moyo