Zvikomborero Parafini
A 40-YEAR-OLD Harare cashier has appeared in court accused of stealing US$6 271 from her employer before allegedly fabricating a robbery story to conceal the theft.
Grace Chirume, who is employed by Consumer Choice (Pvt) Ltd in Mbare, appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova facing a charge of theft of trust property.
She was granted US$100 bail.
According to the State, Chirume allegedly took advantage of her position as a cashier on August 19 this year and unlawfully converted US$6 271 belonging to her employer to her personal use.
In a bid to conceal the alleged theft, Chirume reportedly fabricated a story claiming that she had been robbed of the company’s money while on her way home.
She subsequently reported the purported robbery at Waterfalls Police Station.
The court heard that on August 29, Chirume reported for duty and submitted a written account of the alleged robbery to the company’s management.
However, her story allegedly began to unravel when Consumer Choice manager Ashahadu Asali scrutinised her account and discovered material inconsistencies.
Asali reportedly confronted Chirume over the unauthorised removal and disappearance of the company funds, but she allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
The matter was subsequently reported to Harare Central Police Station on November 2, leading to investigations and Chirume’s arrest.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Chirume was likely to abscond due to the seriousness of the offence and the evidence available against her.
It also argued that she resided in the same area as potential witnesses and could interfere with investigations.
Despite the State’s objections, Chirume was granted US$100 bail and ordered to reside at her given address, report once a fortnight to the police and not interfere with State witnesses.
The court heard that nothing has been recovered from the US$6 271 allegedly stolen.
