Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 35-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared in court after converting trust funds amounting to more than US$13 000 to his own use.
Ollen Mpofu of Nkulumane suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Beverly Madzikatire, on Monday charged with theft of trusted property from his employer.
Mpofu is employed at Varun Beverages as a sales route agent. He was granted bail, and the matter was remanded to December 12.
Prosecuting, Ms Sibusisiwe Sithole, told the court that on October 2, 2025, Mpofu was dispatched into the market with beverages worth about US$13 462. When he returned, he brought back unsold goods worth only US$332.
The court heard that Mpofu was required to hand over the cash from his sales to the company, but he failed to do so.
This was in violation of a trust agreement, which required him to receive cash from clients after selling Varun Beverages products on behalf of the company, which was represented in court by Herbert Chivandire, and to hand over the money on demand.
“The accused person unlawfully and intentionally converted cash amounting to US$13 462 to his own use and failed to hand it over to Varun Beverages on demand,” said Ms Sithole.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the accused’s arrest.
