Bulawayo Woman Jailed After Using Armed Robbery As Cover To Steal US$24K
A 35-year-old Bulawayo woman, who exploited an armed robbery at her workplace to steal US$24,000 (approx. R445,000), has been jailed for an effective six years.
Nothando Banana, who had been released on US$100 (approx. R1,850) bail, was convicted of theft of trust property after it emerged she had taken advantage of a violent robbery to pocket a large sum of company money.
Robbery Chaos Used As Cover
The incident took place on 15 October 2024, during a robbery at the company where Banana worked. According to prosecutors, she used the confusion created by the armed robbers to execute her own crime.
State prosecutor Ms Concilia Ncube told the court:
“On the day in question, Banana was working at the premises when armed robbers stormed in, brandishing pistols and a garden pick. They took US$32,500 (approx. R603,000) and fled. However, investigations later revealed that Banana had also taken US$24,400 (approx. R453,000) from the safe during the chaos.”
She added:
“The accused initially claimed that all the missing funds were stolen by the robbers. But further scrutiny of surveillance footage and financial records exposed her actions.”
Tried To Pin It On Robbers
The court heard that Banana had made deliberate efforts to cover up her theft by suggesting the entire missing amount was stolen by the armed gang.
Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza was not convinced by Banana’s defence. In sentencing her, he noted:
“This was a calculated act. She took advantage of a serious and dangerous situation to commit theft. It was a gross breach of trust.”
The judge sentenced Banana to six years behind bars without the option of a fine. No portion of the sentence was suspended.
Banana’s Bail And Fallout
Banana had been out on bail since her arrest shortly after the incident in 2024. She was convicted following a full trial that revealed discrepancies in the company’s accounts and video footage showing her accessing the funds separately from the robbery.
The court said her actions not only betrayed her employer but also hindered police investigations into the original armed robbery.
Banana will serve her sentence at Mlondolozi Prison in Bulawayo.
“The law must be seen to act against those who abuse trust, especially during emergencies,” said the prosecutor.
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The post 6 Years For Bulawayo Woman Who Took Advantage Of Armed Robbery To Steal US$24K appeared first on iHarare News.
