Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, Sunday News Reporter
A GAMBLER never makes the same mistake twice. It’s usually three or more times.
This aptly describes a Bulawayo sales consultant, who was jailed for three years after siphoning more than US$3 000 from his employer and splurging it on online betting.
Maxwell Tonongei (30) of Pumula South appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube, who convicted him of theft.
Tonongei was sentenced to three years in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour. Another 12 months were suspended on condition he repays the stolen US$3 105 to his employer, Wiltop Marketing.
The remaining 18 months were converted to 630 hours of community service, leaving him with a combination of restitution and unpaid work to complete.
The prosecutor, Mehluli Ndlovu, told the court that Tonongei committed the offence on 4 November while on duty at Wiltop Marketing’s city centre offices. His responsibilities included handling Econet SIM replacements, EcoCash agent transactions, cash-in and cash-out services and airtime wholesale operations.
During his shift, he unlawfully transferred US$3 105 in several tranches from the company’s EcoCash agent line to an EcoCash number registered in his own name without the knowledge or approval of his employer.
“He later moved the funds to a merchant line and used the money for online betting,” said Ndlovu.
The offence came to light after internal checks, leading to a police report and Tonongei’s arrest. The stolen money was not recovered.
Bongani Ndlovu