Londile Moyo
Danisa Masuku Danimasuku44552gmail.com
A United Refineries Limited worker, who created fake payslips for 12 ghost employees, defrauding two micro-finance institutions of US$186,279.18 in loans he claimed on their behalf, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Shingai Takunda Mabena (45) appeared for sentencing before Regional Magistrate Mr Shingi Mutero, who sentenced him to 10 years and suspended two years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years.
A further five years were suspended on condition that he pays US$36,000 to Club Plus Micro-Finance and US$104,876.70 to Lenderspark Finance Company by 31 December this year. Mabena will effectively serve three years in prison.
In sentencing him, the court considered that he is a first-time offender and did not waste the court’s time. The court also considered that he showed remorse and apologised to the representatives of Club Plus and Lenderspark.
“The offender (Mabena) said he has restituted some of the money he defrauded the two financial institutions and was willing to restitute all their money. He is a married man and a breadwinner,” said the magistrate.
In aggravation, Prosecutor Mr Owen Mugari told the court that the offence was severe and involved a substantial amount of money.
“The offence was carefully planned as he created ghost workers and defrauded the two financial institutions of huge amounts. He committed a serious offence, was in a position of trust and stole from his employer. He benefitted from the offence and nothing was recovered. I pray for a custodial sentence,” he said.
A representative of United Refineries, identified only as Ms Musona in a victim impact statement, said: “The company suffered financial loss and its reputation was ruined as the two financial institutions stated that we employed a fraudster in Mabena. The company was sued by the two financial institutions.”
Mr Mugari outlined that between May 2024 and December 2024, Mabena created fictitious personnel files and documents falsely indicating that the individuals were United Refineries employees applying for loans.
“The accused person generated fake payslips, employment letters and other documents, which were then used to access loans on behalf of ghost workers from a Harare-based financial institution. He received US$81,402.48,” said Mr Mugari.
After the disbursements were made, a Chief Finance Officer at United Refineries received a tip-off that Mabena had created ghost employees and secured a substantial loan from Club Plus. An internal investigation followed.
“It was discovered that the said loan recipients were not part of their staff as per their agreed Memorandum of Understanding. She then went through company emails and other documents, which had been sent to the accused by the micro-finance institution, and discovered that the accused had created fake payslips for 12 ghost workers,” said Mr Mugari.
He added that Mabena also produced forged payslips and proof of employment documents for use at Lenderspark Finance Company.
“The accused person generated fake payslips, proof of employment and then went on to apply for salary-based loans on behalf of ghost workers at Lenderspark Finance Company. The accused received US$104,876.70, which he diverted to his personal use.
“The offence came to light after Lenderspark Finance Company sent a series of emails to United Refineries demanding repayment of the loans. The Chief Finance Officer responded to the emails stating that United Refineries Limited was not aware of the loans and had no such workers,” said Mr Mugari. A police report was then made, leading to Mabena’s arrest.
Online Reporter