Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A 33-year-old woman from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 105 hours of community service after gambling away US$700 that her husband had entrusted to her for safekeeping.
Simeleni Dube, from the Nketa 8 suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mehluli Moyo, facing a charge of unreasonable disposal of property.
Dube pleaded guilty and was initially handed a six-month prison sentence, 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 the condition that she completes 105 hours of community service at Manondwane Primary School, starting Friday, and finishes within four weeks.
Prosecutor Mandrela Chisiiwa told the court that the accused is married to the complainant, Tawanda Mugodhi (43).
On 14 October, at around 6:20 AM, Mugodhi gave Dube US$700 to keep safely at their home.
Four days later, when Mugodhi asked for the money, Dube failed to produce it, claiming she had lent it to someone else.
When he realised the money could not be returned, Mugodhi reported the matter to the police, leading to Dube’s arrest.
During the trial, Magistrate Moyo asked Dube where the money had gone. She admitted that she had used it to gamble on cards in town and had lost it all.
In a surprising turn, Mugodhi told the court that he forgives his wife and requested that she not be ordered to repay the money.
Mugodhi said that his wife does not have the funds and that he is the one who provides for her.
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