Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Court Correspondent
HARARE magistrate Mr Tapiwa Banda has sentenced two security guards, Jeremiah Kwenda and Phineas Moyo, to five years in prison for their involvement in the theft of US$195 000 from their employer, Mohammed Mussa Wholesalers.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the large sum stolen and the breach of trust involved in the crime.
The court initially imposed a five-year sentence, with two years suspended on condition of good behaviour.
An additional 18 months were also suspended, contingent upon the guards making restitution for the stolen funds.
As a result, Kwenda and Moyo will serve an effective 16 months in prison, a decision that reflects the severity of their actions.
The incident occurred on December 21 last year, around 5pm, when both guards were on duty.
They conspired with an accomplice, Chamunorwa Muvhuti, who had hidden in the shop after other workers had left for the day.
This premeditated plan allowed Muvhuti to execute the theft without immediate detection.
Using a sharp metal object, Muvhuti dislodged a black portable safe mounted on the wall. The safe contained a substantial amount of cash, totalling US$195 000.
The theft was discovered the following day, December 22, when the complainant realised the money was missing and promptly reported it to the police.
On Christmas Day, detectives made a significant breakthrough by arresting Muvhuti in Mupande Village, where he was attending a lobola payment ceremony. During questioning, Muvhuti led the police to recover US$186 100 of the stolen money. He also implicated Kwenda and Moyo as his accomplices in the theft.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of security breaches and the importance of integrity in the workplace.
The legal ramifications faced by Kwenda and Moyo underscore the potential penalties for those who compromise trust for personal gain.
