Theft charges withdrawn against Njube woman

Charges of theft against Sicelesile Tshuma were withdrawn after Dr Jimmy Gazi on whose behalf she was supposed to bank the money filed a withdrawal affidavit. In his affidavit, which is now part of the record, Dr Gazi stated that all he is interested in is the release of his money, which is being held by the police.

He adds that he does not want the prosecution of Tshuma who “is a close family friend”.

Mr Thabani Sibanda, a bank manager at Barclays Bank Zimbabwe, who was the complainant in the case, also filed a withdrawal affidavit stating that he has a busy schedule such that he cannot afford to be attending court.

Tshuma (28), of K85 Njube pleaded guilty to deliberately supplying false information to a public officer before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Judith Zuyu. She was sentenced to 13 months in prison of which three months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The remaining 10 months were suspended on condition that she performs 350 hours of community service at Njube Police Station.

In passing sentence, Mrs Zuyu said she had taken into account that Tshuma did not benefit from the commission of the offence.

She also said Tshuma had pleaded guilty and did not waste the court’s time and State resources.
On 12 September this year, Mr Sibanda received $15 000 from Mr Dumisani Kudzai, which was payment for a residential stand, which had been purchased from Dr Gazi.

Dr Gazi instructed Mr Sibanda to take $1 000 as commission and give $1 000 to Tshuma.

The remainder was to be deposited into his Barclays Bank account. The following day, Tshuma having been called by Dr Gazi, went to Mr Sibanda and collected the $13 000, which was meant for banking.

Instead of banking the money, Tshuma stole the cash, put it in a tin and hid it in the vegetable garden at her residence. She later went to Bulawayo Central Police Station where she made a report that the money had been stolen from her handbag. Investigations carried out revealed that the money had been buried in her vegetable garden leading to the recovery of $12 900.

Mr Goodluck Katenaire appeared for the State and Miss Hazel Ndlovu, of Advocate SKM Sibanda and Partners defended Tshuma.