Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A SALES manager employed by MC Meats has been convicted of theft of trust property after he misappropriated US$5 000 entrusted to him by a business partner for a proposed butchery expansion project.
Edson Godo was found guilty by the court and fined US$300.
Failure to pay the fine will result in a three-month prison term.
In addition, the court imposed a further three-month prison sentence, wholly suspended on condition that Godo restitutes the complainant through the Clerk of Court on or before August 31, 2026.
The complainant is Ms Emma Gwaunza (47).
Prosecutor Ms Grace Mugocheke told the court that in May 2025, Ms Gwaunza and Godo entered into a business partnership and opened Meat Paradise Butchery at Mbudzi Market in Harare before relocating operations to premises along Chinhoyi Street in the city centre.
Under the arrangement, Ms Gwaunza handled customer orders and sales, while Godo sourced beef supplies through his workplace at MC Meats.
A third partner, Norbert Chikumbo, was responsible for collecting and delivering products to the butchery.
The court heard that at the close of business each day, Godo would collect all the cash for safekeeping at MC Meats.
In July 2025, Ms Gwaunza fell ill and was unable to report for work, although the business continued operating.
In October, Godo informed Ms Gwaunza that he had identified new premises for the business. Acting on that representation, Ms Gwaunza handed him US$5 000 in the presence of Mr Chikumbo for rental payments and renovations.
However, after receiving the money, Godo allegedly became evasive, failing to provide updates on the project and ignoring calls from his business partner.
Concerned by his conduct, Ms Gwaunza contacted Mr Chikumbo and subsequently began to suspect that the money had been misappropriated.
She reported the matter to the police, leading to investigations and Godo’s arrest.
The court found that Godo had unlawfully converted the funds to his own use.
The total value stolen was US$5 000 and none of the money was recovered.
