Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A FORMER cashier at N Richards Wholesale in Rusape, who last year embezzled US$48 000 meant for banking after a public holiday, fled to Zambia under a false identity, and squandered the stolen funds on cars, two bottle stores, and a house. His run from justice ended when he was arrested and jailed for the offence.
The convict, Tawanda Manzinde (34), of Magamba Extension, Rusape, was arrested by Interpol after being sold out by a side chick after an altercation, and extradited to Zimbabwe last week.
He appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of theft under Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). Manzinde was convicted on his own plea of guilty.
Mr Mahwe found him guilty, and sentenced him to seven years in jail before setting aside one year on condition of good behaviour for the next five years.
The remaining six years were suspended on condition that he restitute the company its money forthwith, but he did not have the money, and was committed to serve a six-year jail term.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa said Manzinde stole US$48 445 that was supposed to be banked after the Independence Day holiday and disappeared. Police recovered only US$1 242 hidden in a hole at his house.
“On the period extending from April 17, 2025 and April 22, 2025, Manzinde who was employed as a cashier at N Richards Wholesale, Rusape took cash amounting to US$48 445 which he was entrusted by the company to safe keep, and to bank it after holiday. Manzinde, however, took the cash, and fled from work to Zambia. On April 22, 2025, his manager, Mr Brian Mukwenha made a police report at ZRP Rusape Central, and investigations to the recovery of US$1 242 at Manzinde’s house from a dug hole. On June 4, 2026 a tip-off was received that Manzinde was residing in Zambia. Interpol NCB Harare was engaged, and a request for extradition of Manzinde was made,” said Ms Mutukwa.
The National Prosecuting Authority issued a provisional warrant of arrest on the same day.
Interpol NCB Harare forwarded the provisional warrant of arrest to Interpol NCB Lusaka.
On June 9, Manzinde was arrested by Interpol NCB Lusaka, Zambia, who advised Interpol NCB Harare.
Manzinde was detained in Zambia pending receipt of an extradition request from Zimbabwe. He had fraudulently acquired a fake Zambian identity card, and was using the name Charles Banda.
He told detectives he used the money to open two bottle stores, buy two vehicles and purchase a residential stand where he built a house in Chirundu, Zambia.
“Manzinde was interviewed by detectives in Zambia, and it was discovered that he had forged the Zambian national identity card, and had changed his names to Charles Banda. On June 19, Manzinde was deported by Interpol NCB Lusaka officials for contravening the Zambian Immigration Act. He was arrested by detectives from CID Chirundu,” she said.
On June 20, Manzinde was escorted from Chirundu to Rusape by detectives from CID Rusape in conjunction with detectives from Interpol NCB Harare.
Upon being interviewed, Manzinde stated that he fled to Zambia on April 22, 2025 with cash amounting to US$48 445. He was residing at Chiebende, Chirundu in Zambia where he was operating two bottle stores.
He also stated that he bought a Honda Fit and Toyota Daihatsu. He also purchased a residential stand, measuring 25mx25m, where he built a five-roomed house using the proceeds of crime. The total value stolen is US$48 445 and ZiG2 000. The total value recovered is US$1 240 and ZiG 1 440.
