Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A 30-YEAR-OLD accountant with Highview Private Clinic and Maternity has been sentenced to three years in jail after he diverted US$47 000 meant for his employer into his personal Ecobank account.
Tonderai Shaimano had pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial. Harare magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa initially sentenced Shaimano to nine years in jail before suspending three years on condition of good behaviour.
Another three years were set aside on condition that he restitutes the money. Mrs Gofa ordered that the house and the motor vehicle, which Shaimano bought with the proceeds of the crime, be awarded to the Clinic.
On the second count, Shaimano was sentenced to three years in jail, which were wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
In her ruling, the magistrate said Shaimano breached the trust bestowed on him by his employer.
She said a custodial sentence was appropriate. Mrs Gofa added that a deterrent sentence will meet the interests of justice in this case.
“There are no mitigatory factors justifying a non-custodial sentence,” ruled the magistrate.
The court heard that on July 24, 2023, while performing his duties, Shaimano allegedly abused his position by sending an email to Bonvie Medical Aid instructing them to deposit funds due to Highview Clinic into a specified Ecobank account.
When the clinic noticed that Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme had not remitted its usual monthly payments, it launched an inquiry.
It was discovered that the medical aid provider had been making payments into the Ecobank account as directed by the accused.
Further investigations revealed that the Ecobank account belonged to Shaimano, and that he had received and used the funds for personal benefit.
Online Reporter