Shop boss in $19 000 EcoCash fraud

Nonsikelelo Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
A MANAGER at a store in Lupane has appeared in court for allegedly swindling the shop of more than $19 000 paid by EcoCash clients.

The court heard that Zapalala Lupane supermarket acting manager Victor Tendaishe Sibanda (25) converted money transacted by EcoCash clients at the shop to his own use.

Sibanda, who resides at 272 Barbourfields suburb in Bulawayo, was not asked to plead to fraud charges when he appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Mr Ndumo Masuku on Monday.

He was remanded in custody to October 23.

Prosecuting, Mr Douglas Kanyemba said the offence was committed last month. “During the period extending from 5 September to 29 September, the accused who was the custodian of the branch EcoCash merchant facility was supposed to receive the money and transfer it to Zapalala headquarters, but he converted it to his own use,” said the prosecutor.

The court was told that on different occasions Sibanda transferred the money meant for the supermarket to Grala Tours EcoCash agent in Lupane.

He then instructed an employee at Grala Tours to transfer the money to his EcoCash account thereby defrauding the shop of a total of $19 365.

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