Harare Teacher Sentenced For Stealing From Her Husband

A respected teacher from Selbourne Primary School in Harare has been ordered to carry out 170 hours of community service after being found guilty of stealing a substantial amount of money from her husband of nearly two decades.

Patricia Yusufu appeared before Harare magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore, who delivered a verdict on the case involving the theft of US$5,200 (approx. R98,800) from her now-estranged husband, Mike Charles. The sentence carefully balances punishment with restitution.

Magistrate Manokore issued a suspended prison sentence with strict conditions. She stated,

“The accused is sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for three years on the condition that she does not commit any offenses involving dishonesty during this period.”

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The court was clear on the consequences of breaking this condition, adding,

“If she does, she will face imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

A significant portion of the sentence was dedicated to ensuring the stolen money is repaid. The magistrate continued,

“Of the remaining 18 months of imprisonment, she must make restitution to Mike Charles for the sum of US$5,200 by November 31, 2025.”

The final part of the judgement compels Yusufu to contribute to the community, with the ruling noting,

“The last two months of imprisonment hinge on her completing 170 hours of community service at Wilkins Hospital within five weeks.”

Harare Teacher Sentenced For Stealing From Her Husband

The court proceedings revealed that the couple’s 18-year marriage disintegrated following Mike Charles’s discovery of his wife’s extramarital affairs. He claimed to have uncovered evidence of her involvement with several men. One individual, identified only as Walter, a married Zimbabwean residing in the United Kingdom, was cited as being particularly significant.

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Speaking about the betrayal, Mike Charles lamented,

“I found evidence that my wife had been involved with three different men, including Walter, who bought her a Honda Fit.”

This revelation painted a picture of a relationship broken down by infidelity and financial misconduct. When approached for comment by this publication outside the courtroom, Patricia Yusufu refused to speak on the matter, leaving the public to ponder the full story behind the dramatic fall from grace of a once-trusted member of the community.