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Melody Baya, Court Reporter
A BURIAL society treasurer from Old Pumula suburb in Bulawayo has been ordered to perform 210 hours of community service for embezzling $1,149.
Rita Mpofu, 37, stole from Qalufunde Burial Society which was represented by its president Peter Chaitwa, 49, of the same suburb.
She pleaded guilty to a theft charge before Western Commonage magistrate Themba Chimiso who sentenced her to a wholly suspended 18 months in prison.
“Six months are suspended on condition you do not commit a similar offence in the next five years. Another six months are suspended on condition that you restitute the complainant the $1,149. And the last six are suspended on condition that you perform 210 hours of community service,” said Chimiso.
Prosecuting, Mufaro Mageza told the court that on dates unknown but during the period stretching from March 2012 to June 2015, the burial society members contributed cash amounting to $1,149.
“During this period accused person took the cash and converted it to her personal use. This came to light when the burial society demanded its cash and accused failed to give them,” said Mageza.
The prosecutor said the total value stolen is $1,149 and only $250 was recovered.
derick.khumalo