A teacher at Selbourne Primary School has been sentenced to perform unpaid work and ordered to pay restitution after a magistrate convicted her of stealing US$5,200 from her husband.
Patricia Yusufu appeared before Harare magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore this week, where she was found guilty of theft. The conviction follows the breakdown of her 18-year marriage to Mike Charles, the complainant in the matter.
Magistrate Manokore handed down a 24-month prison sentence, which was wholly suspended on strict conditions.
Six months were suspended for three years on the condition of good behaviour. A further 16 months were suspended on the condition that Yusufu repays the full sum of US$5,200 to Mr. Charles by November 30, 2025.
The remaining two months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Yusufu completes 170 hours of community service at Wilkins Hospital. The court ordered that this service must be completed within the next five weeks.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Manokore noted the severity of the breach of trust but offered Yusufu an opportunity to avoid a custodial sentence through restitution and service.
“If she commits any offences involving dishonesty during this period... she will face imprisonment without the option of a fine,” the magistrate ruled.
Background to the case
During the trial, the court heard testimony regarding the collapse of the couple’s nearly two-decade-long marriage. Mr. Charles testified that the relationship disintegrated after he discovered evidence of his wife’s infidelity.
Mr. Charles told the court he had found proof that Yusufu was involved in an extramarital affair with a Zimbabwean man based in the United Kingdom, identified only as Walter. He alleged that this relationship involved the receipt of gifts, specifically a Honda Fit vehicle.
“I found evidence that my wife had been involved with three different men, including Walter, who bought her a Honda Fit,” Mr. Charles told the court.
Yusufu declined to speak to the press following the sentencing. She is expected to begin her community service at Wilkins Hospital immediately.- Zimbo LIVE Harare
