How A Metro Hypermarket Cashier Lost Nearly US$49,000 To Aviator
A Metro Hypermarket cashier who admitted stealing nearly US$49,000 (about R808,000) entrusted to him by his employer has been sentenced to an effective four years behind bars after the money was allegedly lost through Aviator betting.
Peter Muza, 40, was convicted by the Bindura Magistrates’ Court over the theft of trust property committed between 8 August and 29 August 2025. Judgment was handed down on 15 July 2026.
How Metro Hypermarket Cash Went Missing
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Muza worked as a cashier responsible for collecting cash from till operators, reconciling daily takings, reporting shortages and ensuring all money was deposited through Cash 24 Security Company.
The prosecution said he repeatedly deposited less money than he had received before allegedly altering records to hide the shortages.
The NPA said:
“The accused deliberately banked less cash than he had collected from till operators and falsified daily cash records to conceal the theft.”
The court heard that the missing funds, amounting to US$49,437 (about R808,700), were allegedly spent on virtual betting platforms commonly known as Aviator, or “chindege” (aeroplane).
Audit Exposed Alleged Theft
The alleged theft came to light on 31 August 2025 during a routine audit.
Investigators compared Cash 24 Security Company banking receipts with the daily cash sheets submitted to Metro Hypermarket management and allegedly found discrepancies.
The NPA said:
“The audit revealed that he had consistently deposited less money than he had received while recording inflated figures on the cash sheets presented to management.”
Court Hands Down Effective Four-Year Prison Sentence
The court initially sentenced Muza to eight years’ imprisonment.
However, two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while another two years were suspended on condition that he pays restitution of US$49,437 (about R808,700) to Metro Hypermarket.
That leaves him with an effective prison sentence of four years.
Following the conviction, the NPA stressed the seriousness of offences involving positions of trust.
The authority said:
“Those who abuse positions of trust will face prosecution and stiff custodial sentences upon conviction.”
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