Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A RUSAPE man who withdrew substantial amounts mistakenly deposited into his bank account was recently convicted, and sentenced for theft.
Garikai Mtangandebvu (30) who is employed by a leading wholesale firm as a shelf packer, thought he had received manna from heaven when Old Mutual Life Assurance mistakenly deposited US$1 885 and ZiG238 638,90 into his bank account.
Instead the money was supposed to be deposited into his namesake and pensioner, Garikayi Mtangandevu’s account.
Garikai who was not represented did not waste the court’s time, and pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mrs Barbara Mateko recently.
Mrs Mateko sentenced Garikai to 36 months imprisonment, before setting aside six months on the usual conditions of good behaviour.
A further 15 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes Old Mutual Life Assurance fully by December 30, 2025.
The remaining 15 months were suspended on condition that he performs 525 hours of community service at Tazvinzwa Primary School.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that Garikai withdrew the money, and used it all. Nothing was recovered.
“Sometime in July, the accused person received US$1 885 and ZiG238 638,90 from CABS Rusape, and it was mistakenly send to him, instead of Garikayi Mtangandebvu. They have the same names with the accused person.
“The accused person withdrew all the cash and personally used it. The rightful person, Garikayi Mtangandebvu later went to Old Mutual claiming his money.
That is when they realised that the money was wrongly sent to the accused person.
The value is US$1 885, 48 and ZiG238 638,90, and nothing was recovered,” said Ms Mutukwa.
