adminMasvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero identified the suspects, as Tichaona Adriano (31) of 5277 Ngongoni Crescent, Hillside, Vengayi Kurunzirwa (29) and Judith Kurunzirwa (26).
The trio has been arrested and will appear in court soon.
The shop belongs to prominent Masvingo businessman, Mr Edmund Mhere.
“We have received a case from Tsungayi Supermarket that three of its senior workers siphoned money to the tune of $23 000 from the shop.
“The trio was employed as an administrator, till operator and ICT officer respectively. The three have been arrested and are expected to appear in court this week,” said Insp Zhanero.
He said the workers created a parallel computer system, which they used to deprive the owner of his revenue.
“Adriano whose duty was to oversee the computer system in the supermarket and Vengai who was responsible for administration, hatched a plan to take the money from the shop but they had no access to the cash.
“The two allegedly approached Judith who worked as a till operator and she agreed to the idea. Judith is believed to be related to Vengai.
“As an expert in computers Adriano allegedly manipulated the system and created a parallel one through which the money was siphoned. The three started to take money in August until the racket was bust last month,” he said.
Insp Zhanero said the police have recovered some money and property suspected to have been bought using the “ill-gotten” proceeds.
“The racket was discovered by Mr Mhere’s wife and detectives were called in to investigate. After the trio’s arrest, cash amounting to $1 300 was recovered from Judith and Vengai. Police also discovered a vehicle, a Toyota Duet in Bulawayo owned by Vengai. Adriano was found with a new set of sofas, stove and other household items suspected to have been bought using the stolen money,” he said.
Online Reporter