Two former bank employees in court for US$33K fraud

Yeukai Karengezeka

Herald Correspondent

Two former employees of Steward Bank defrauded the bank of over US$33 000 between September last year and last month by targeting dormant client accounts. They siphoned out the funds using fraudulent visa cards.

Audrey Njanike (38), who served as a dispute and chargebacks clerk, and Ian Takaedza (36), a cards operations clerk, were both stationed at Steward Bank’s Avondale Branch in Harare. They were first fired on January 24 after an audit revealed the alleged scheme and were then arrested after more investigations revealed the alleged criminal activity.

They have appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs Appolonia Marutya, who remanded them on bail of US$200 each to March 3.

The complainant in the case is Steward Bank, represented by its security and investigations officer, Mr Maheya Ezekiel.

According to the prosecution, led by Mr Takudzwa Jambawu, the alleged fraud occurred between September 27 last year and January 9 this year.

During this period, the accused reportedly colluded with another suspect, Alexander Rwambiwa, who remains at large.

The three allegedly generated fake visa cards and opened fraudulent visa accounts linked to dormant client accounts.

They then transferred money from the dormant accounts into the fraudulent accounts under fictitious names and used the fake cards to withdraw the funds.

The scheme came to light during an audit, which revealed the unauthorised withdrawals.

Following the discovery, both Njanike and Takaedza were dismissed from their positions on January 24. Subsequent investigations led to their arrests, although Rwambiwa remains on the run.

Steward Bank, a financial institution that conducts various banking operations, reported a total financial loss of US$33 285 due to the alleged fraud, with no recovery of the stolen funds.