Bank teller and security guard arrested for alleged $58,417 theft of trust property

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

A central cash depot teller with a local bank has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts on charges of theft of trust property involving US$58 417.

Smith Chigwana (45) was jointly charged with Atharvan Investment security personnel Stalin Rundora (30) when he appeared before Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai.

The two were ordered to deposit US$100 as bail through the Clerk of Court. The court advised the accused persons not to interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.

State prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarawe told the court that between September 5 this year and September 10, Chigwana, who was responsible for handling bulk cash deposits and withdrawals, connived with Rundora to process a withdrawal of US$58 417 and converted the money to their own use.

The bank observed some anomalies in the transaction and confirmed with Atharvan Investment (Pvt) Ltd if they had received the cash, and the latter indicated it was not aware of the transaction.

It is alleged that on September 21, 2025, detectives from CID CCD Harare conducted investigations which prompted Chigwana to surrender cash amounting to US$51 420 to the complainant.

The accused persons were subsequently arrested. Due to the accused person’s actions, the complainant suffered a potential prejudice of US$58 417 and US$51 420 was recovered.