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YOU can’t have your bread and eat it too — and a former Lobel’s Bread employee has learnt that the hard way after being jailed for 10 years for embezzling company funds.
Gratitude Joseph Hlongwane (35) of Mahatshula North, who served as a Debtors Supervisor, saw his dreams of easy money toasted when he was convicted by Bulawayo magistrate Challenge Mahembe of theft of trust property.
Despite pleading not guilty, Hlongwane was convicted after a full trial.
Magistrate Mahembe handed down a 10-year sentence, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
Additionally, five years were suspended on condition that he restitutes his former employer US$13 056 by April 30, 2026.
This means Hlongwane will serve an effective two years behind bars.
According to court papers, between 1 November, 2023, and 29 August, 2024, Hlongwane frequently visited Pintail Trading Private Limited, where he was responsible for collecting payments on behalf of Lobel’s Bread.
During these transactions, Pintail Trading cashiers followed standard procedure by requesting Hlongwane’s national identity card and recording his details in their cash dispatch book.
Over the period, Hlongwane received a total of US$82 276 and signed to acknowledge receipt of the funds.
Representing the State, Veronica Manyuka told the court that after receiving the cash, Hlongwane fraudulently banked only US$69 221, pocketing US$13 055 for his personal use.
The elaborate scheme hit a snag when Debtors Supervisor Tsitsi Mukwena uncovered the discrepancies during a reconciliation exercise and promptly alerted the company.
Lobel’s Bread reported the matter to the police, leading to Hlongwane’s arrest.
While the court has ordered restitution, the total amount stolen remains unrecovered.
The Pintail Trading Private Limited Dispatch Book, the Lobel’s Bread Cash Receipt Book, and Driver’s Cash Deposit Slips were all presented as crucial exhibits during the trial to seal Hlongwane’s fate.
Online Reporter