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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
BATA Shoe Company Plumtree Branch manager has appeared in court for allegedly stealing company goods valued at $12 243.
Nyararai Moyo of Rangiore Suburb in Plumtree pleaded not guilty to theft charges when he appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Taurai Manwere.
He was remanded on free bail to April 4 for trial after he tendered an application to postpone the matter.
Moyo was suspended from work immediately after the crime was discovered in January this year.
Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said from September 24 last year to January 17 this year, Moyo stole footwear, bags and socks valued at $12, 243.
He said the crime was discovered by auditors on January 17.
“Moyo was employed at the Bata Shoe Company as the Plumtree branch manager. His duties included overseeing sales and handling finances among other duties.
“From 24 September last year to 17 January this year he received goods to sell at his workplace. On 16 January his superiors discovered that he had a shortage,” he said.
Mr Mazorodze said a team of internal auditors was deployed to the shop on January 17. He said an audit report revealed that some of the goods that had been delivered to Moyo were not in the shop and they had not been accounted for in the sales.
He said the matter was reported to the police resulting in Moyo’s arrest.
Plumtree magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere had to postpone the matter after Moyo’s lawyers failed to turn up for the hearing.
“I will grant your application for this matter to be postponed but I will endorse that this will be the last postponement.
“Your right to legal representation isn’t absolute therefore make sure that on 4 April your legal representation is present otherwise we will proceed with the matter,” he said.
The State had opposed the postponement of the matter saying some witnesses had travelled from Gweru and Moyo’s lawyer had not excused himself.
@DubeMatutu
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