Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara ,[email protected]
A 39-year-old Bulawayo man who is employed as a till operator has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing US$400 from his employer.
Thulani Ndlovu of 5349 Gwabalanda suburb, who is employed by Spar Bonsa Supermarket, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Maxwell Ncube, facing charges of theft of trust property from his employer, Mr Francis Elias Tembo (46) of 2658 Mahatshula North, Bulawayo.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison of which three months were suspended on condition of restitution of US$400 to the complainant.
Another three months were suspended on condition of good behavior. The remaining six months were suspended on condition that the accused completes 210 hours of community service.
Prosecutor, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu, said the crime was committed on September 20, 2025 at Bonsa Spar Supermarket.
He said the accused person took cash amounting to US$400 without the consent of his employer and converted it to personal gain.
‘’The offence involved employer and employee where in the employer expected trust but the trust was violated. Consequently the degree of moral blameworthiness is high,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“The money was not recovered. The accused benefited from the offence. Also offences where employee steal from employer are now rampant in our society.
‘’The court noted that the accused person was the first offender and there was need to exercise leniency and offer the accused person a chance for reform.’’
The court heard that the accused person had admitted to the offence thus indicating remorse.
Mr Ndlovu said the accused person also apologized for committing the offence and indicated the desire to correct the wrong by paying back the complainant.
The court heard that, from the value stolen nothing was recovered.
