Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
A Chitungwiza man has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court facing allegations of stealing footwear and other merchandise worth more than US$12 600 from a Bata Shoe Company branch where he was entrusted with managing stock.
Admire Moyo (43) was arraigned before magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo on a charge of theft of trust property.
He was granted bail.
The complainant is Zimbabwe Bata Shoe Company Limited’s Makoni Branch, represented by branch sales manager Timothy Makomeke.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that between March 11 and June 13 this year, Moyo was responsible for stock under his custody at the Bata Makoni Branch.
It is alleged that during the period, Moyo unlawfully removed various footwear and non-footwear items from the branch on several occasions without authority.
The court heard that on March 18, district sales manager Paradzai Prince and an internal auditor conducted a stock verification exercise at the branch.
The audit allegedly revealed significant shortages of both footwear and non-footwear merchandise.
According to the State, Moyo was asked to account for the missing stock but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Prosecutors allege that investigations established that merchandise valued at US$12 624,70 had gone missing.
The State further alleges that after removing the stock, Moyo transported it to an unknown location and converted it to his own use.
No property has been recovered.
The total prejudice to Bata Shoe Company is US$12 624,70.
