Two women get 420 hours community service

H-Metro Reporter

TWO women have been convicted of theft and sentenced to 420 hours of community service for stealing property worth over US$15 000 from their employer.

Chipo Chataika (33) and Patricia Munhongowarwa (29) worked for Associated Bells and Bearings (Pvt) Ltd.

They were responsible for receiving transfer documents but stole the property between October 2021 and January last year.

The missing items were discovered during the company’s quarterly stock take.

Chataika used her password to gain access to the records while Munhongowarwa, who had the keys to the shop, provided the assistance.

Harare provincial magistrate, Barbra Mateko, initially sentenced the two to three years’ imprisonment, and suspended six months for five years, on condition they both do not commit another offence involving dishonesty.

Another 18 months were suspended on condition they pay back US$15 126.57 through the Clerk of Court Harare by July 30.

The remaining 12 months were suspended on condition they both complete 420 hours of community service.

Magistrate Mateko said she opted to give them community service, acknowledging that Chataika is pregnant and Munhongowarwa is a nursing mother.

They will perform the community service at Kuwadzana Police station and Warren Park Poly Clinic.”