Man swindles father-in-law to fund wedding

A BULAWAYO man has been sentenced to three years imprisonement for stealing nearly $2 000 from his father-in-law to cover his wedding expenses.

Cornelius Gumpo (32) who is a builder, was given the money by his father- in- law, Mr Goodwill Mkandla to buy building materials but instead used the money to pay for his wedding expenses.

Gumpo was convicted on his own plea by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Mr Ncube however suspended six months of the sentence on condition Gumpo does not within the next five years commit a similar offence and another 12 months was suspended on condition Gumpo pays back the stolen money.

The remaining 18 months were suspended on condition Gumpo does 630 hours community service at Pumula Police Station.

Asked why he commited the crime, Gumpo said he encountered financial challenges while preparing for his wedding and decided to use the money.

"So your father in-law attended the wedding, ate food there and enjoyed a share of his money? asked Mr Ncube.

In his defence, Gumpo said he intended to pay back the money.

Ms Margret Takawira appeared for the state.