Another Suspect Arrested in Zvikomborero Farms Theft Case

Strategic Insights -

A new suspect has been charged in the ongoing Zvikomborero Farms theft case, in which over US$144 000 was allegedly stolen by former employees. Benias Manzunzu, a supervisor, appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, who released him on US$100 bail. Manzunzu is accused of working with accomplices Panashe Chivandire and Brian Gasamu, who are yet to be arrested. The alleged scheme involved using a swipe and Ecocash system to deceive the company's finance department and conceal the theft.

Key Takeaways:

  • Benias Manzunzu, a former supervisor at Zvikomborero Farms, was charged with theft alongside accomplices Panashe Chivandire and Brian Gasamu.
  • Manzunzu was employed from June 2019 to October 2023 and allegedly received cash amounting to US$144 439 from daily sales and converted it to his own use.
  • The suspects allegedly used a swipe and Ecocash system to deceive the company's finance department, recording cash sales as sales from swipe and Ecocash to conceal the theft.
  • Catherine Mutandwa, the company accountant, discovered the scheme during a spot check on business financial records on October 3, 2023.
  • An audit was conducted, revealing the extent of the theft, and Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the State.

Statistics:

  • US$144 000: the total amount allegedly stolen by the former employees.
  • US$144 439: the amount of cash received by Manzunzu and his accomplices from daily sales and converted to their own use.
  • US$100: the bail set by Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa for Benias Manzunzu.

Sources:

  • [1] The Chronicle, "ANOTHER suspect arrested over Zvikomborero Farms theft"