Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A BULAWAYO security guard proved to be his own worst enemy after he ditched his duty to protect and instead helped himself to the loot he was guarding!
Keith Albertina (28) of Nketa suburb found himself on the wrong side of the law after stealing US$185 from his employer, Mitach Financial Solutions, where he was stationed as a security guard.
Albertina appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube, who sentenced him to 12 months in jail. Three months were suspended on condition that he pays back the stolen cash, while the remaining nine were suspended on condition he performs 315 hours of community service.
According to Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu, the money vanished on 8 August 8 at York House, corner 8th Avenue and H Chitepo Street, in Bulawayo.
The complainant, Precious Muchazotiyi, a loans officer at the company, had left US$225 in a cash box, along with two cellphones and a laptop, before stepping out to the market.
When she returned, everything seemed in place — until she checked the box. Her heart sank when she discovered US$185 had mysteriously vanished.
Suspecting foul play, she quizzed Albertina, the man supposed to be watching over the office. With a straight face, he claimed he did not remember seeing anyone entering the premises.
Detectives had a talk with him. They assisted him to recover from the temporary amnesia that he had suddenly developed and he told the truth: the guard had quietly turned thief, pocketing the cash while pretending to protect it.
Nothing was recovered, leaving the company counting losses and the guard counting community service hours.
In court, magistrate Ncube blasted Albertina for betraying his employer’s trust, saying security guards should protect, not plunder.
