Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A 27-YEAR-OLD Mukuru Money Transfers cashier who stole company funds and used part of the cash to start a shop has been and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Masciline Chihambakwe, who worked for Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd trading as Mukuru Money Transfers at Chireya Business Centre in Gokwe, escaped an immediate jail stay after most of her nine-year sentence was suspended on condition that she pays back the stolen money.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Chihambakwe was trusted with company cash for customer payouts between 28 November and 11 December 2025.
A routine spot check on 28 November confirmed she had a cash float of US$8 599 and R4 300 before she received additional consignments of US$25 000 and R5 000 from Safeguard Security Company.
Instead of using the money for its intended purpose, she diverted it for herself.
“A routine spot check on the 28th of November confirmed that she held a cash float of US$8 599 and ZAR4 300. She subsequently received additional cash consignments amounting to US$25 000 and ZAR5 000. Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, the offender diverted the money for personal benefit,” said the NPAZ.
“Following her arrest, the offender made indications to the police and led investigators to a shop at Chireya Business Centre that she had established using part of the stolen money. Merchandise valued at approximately US$2 500 was recovered from the premises.”
The court sentenced Chihambakwe to nine years in prison.
Six months were suspended for five years on the usual conditions of good behaviour, while the remaining eight years and six months were suspended on condition that she immediately pays restitution of US$15,795 and R4 300 to the victim.
