9 months for theft

Beitbridge Bureau Chief A senior local government official in Matabeleland South, Ricky Musafara Muzanenhamo, will serve nine months in jail for defrauding a Zilmo Transport Company of more than US$5 000. Muzanenhamo, who works for the Department of Public Works in Gwanda, had pleaded not guilty to charges of theft by conversion, but Beitbridge magistrate Mrs Auxilia Chiumburu convicted him on the strength of overwhelming evidence provided by the State. He was sentenced to 24 months but will serve nine months on condition of good behaviour and that he restitutes Zilmo Transport. Mr Winston Tshakalisa of Tshakalisa Law Firm represented Muzanenhamo. Prosecutor Mr Jabulani Mberesi proved that between November 2008 and January 2009, Zilmo Transport was allocated six houses under the Government's Beitbridge Redevelopment Programme. After handing over the houses to Zilmo Transport, Muzanenhamo suggested that the company hire a caretaker to look after the properties, a job that he got. Muzanenhamo put tenants in the houses and was supposed to collect monthly rentals amounting to US$420, which he was supposed to surrender to Zilmo. However, he converted US$5 460 to his own use. The crime came to light when the company asked him to remit the money but he said he had used it to buy some medication. A police report was made leading to his arrest.

www.herald.co.zw/22Feb2011