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An OK Zimbabwe employee is in hot water after his plan to steal over US$55 000 from his employer went horribly wrong.
The accused, Talent Munamati, appeared in court in Harare facing charges of theft after allegedly siphoning money through the company’s EcoCash account.
Talent Munamati, who worked as a money transfer agent at OK Zimbabwe, was responsible for overseeing EcoCash transactions, including cash-ins and cash-outs.
The Herald reports that according to the State, Munamati took advantage of his position to make unauthorised transfers from the company’s EcoCash account into his own.
In April, Munamati allegedly transferred US$30,884 and US$24,777, totalling US$55,661, into his personal EcoCash account.
The stolen funds were reportedly converted for his personal use. The theft remained undiscovered for months until it was finally brought to light on October 18, prompting a police investigation.
Munamati recently appeared before Harare resident magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, facing charges of theft of trust property.
The court heard that the accused was entrusted with managing large sums of money through the EcoCash system but broke that trust by committing the theft.
The State, represented by Mr Rufaro Chonzi, argued that Munamati should be held accountable for the unauthorised transfers.
Clifford Moyo, OK Zimbabwe’s financial services field supervisor, was present in court representing the company.
Munamati was granted bail set at US$100 by the magistrate. He was advised to steer clear of all State witnesses and to reside at his given address while the case progresses.
The court scheduled his return for a routine remand hearing on November 28.
OK Zimbabwe, one of the country’s largest supermarket chains, is closely following the case. (iharare)
derick.khumalo