Ecocash Agent Sentenced for Embezzling Employer’s US$1,500 into Failed Online Investment
Two Mutare women who tried to make a quick buck through an online investment scheme using their employer’s money were convicted of fraud and sentenced to five months in prison.
The sentence was conditionally suspended on the repayment of the stolen funds.
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Funds Diverted During Ecocash Shift
Progress Muzite (25) and Winfilder Dangarembizi (27) appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe, who found them guilty of violating Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
According to Manicapost, the incident took place on June 16, when Muzite—who was employed as an EcoCash agent—was entrusted with handling daily digital transactions.
“On June 16, the accused conspired with Dangarembizi to divert funds meant strictly for EcoCash operations. Muzite transferred three amounts of US$500 each, totalling US$1,500, into two mobile numbers supplied by Dangarembizi,” said Mlambo.
The transaction was discovered during an end-of-day stock take, which revealed a shortfall of US$1,500. Investigations showed that the funds were transferred directly to Dangarembizi without receiving any physical cash in return.
Failed Investment and Plea for Leniency
In her defence, Dangarembizi claimed that she had borrowed the money from Muzite for an online investment venture facilitated by a male associate.
She told the court that the man disappeared with the money, leaving her unable to repay it.
“I never intended to steal from Muzite. I genuinely believed the online investment would work out, but unfortunately, the man I had entrusted with the money disappeared. It was never my plan to deceive anyone or cause financial loss,” she pleaded.
Despite her explanation, the court found both women guilty of theft.
Restitution Ordered in Lieu of Jail Time
While both were sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, the sentence was wholly suspended on the condition that they each pay back US$750 as restitution to the employer.
The court emphasised that the offence involved a serious breach of trust and financial misconduct, but allowed the suspended sentence due to the repayment plan.
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The post Quick Profit Scheme Backfires: Ecocash Agent Sentenced for Embezzling Employer’s US$1,500 into Failed Online Investment appeared first on iHarare News.
