Cunning Bulawayo Woman Steals $24K from Employer and Blames Armed Robbers

Cunning Bulawayo Woman Steals $24K from Employer and Blames Armed Robbers

A 35-year-old woman from Barham Green, Bulawayo, is accused of taking advantage of an armed robbery to steal US$24,000 from the steel manufacturing company where she works in Belmont’s industrial area.

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Woman Uses Armed Robbery as Cover to Steal US$24k from Employer

On October 15, Nothando Banana allegedly used the chaos of an armed robbery at the company, during which thieves armed with pistols and a garden pick stole US$32,500, as cover for her own theft. Facing charges of theft of trust funds, Banana attempted to blame the robbers for the missing cash. She made her initial court appearance before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Benhilda Chiundura, with Mr Jethro Mada representing the State, while Mr Bob Siansole from Shenje and Company is defending her.

Court records reveal that the robbers confronted security guards and employees on duty that night, forcing them to lie down and tie their hands and legs with shoelaces. After the robbery, company officials inspected the safe, entrusted to Banana and containing US$27,000, and found it had not been tampered with.

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Bulawayo Woman Steals $24K from Employer and Blames Armed Robbers

According to the State’s case, Banana allegedly saw the robbery as an opportunity and took US$24,400 from the safe she managed. This money, collected from sales transactions, was supposed to be handed over to her superiors.

“They then asked for keys from the accused person and unlocked the safe. Upon opening the safe, they discovered that out of US$ 27,000, only US$2,600 was left. Upon interviewing her, she admitted to having used the money.”

Banana was reportedly arrested after going on a lavish spending spree in Bulawayo. She appeared in court again on Friday and was released on bail until November 18, as investigations continue.