Mukuru Cashier Steals US$34K, Uses Loot to Open Shop
A 27-year-old cashier employed by Mukuru Money Transfers has been sentenced to nine years in prison after she misappropriated more than US$34,000 in company funds and used part of the money to establish a retail business in Gokwe.
Masciline Chihambakwe, who worked for Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd, trading as Mukuru Money Transfers, at Chireya Business Centre, escaped serving an immediate custodial sentence after the court suspended most of the term on condition that she compensates her employer for the stolen funds.
Audit exposes missing cash
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Chihambakwe was responsible for handling cash meant for customer transactions between November 28 and December 11, 2025.
A routine audit established that she was holding a cash float of US$8,599 and R4,300 before receiving an additional US$25,000 and R5,000 delivered by Safeguard Security Company.
Prosecutors said that instead of using the money to process customer payments, she unlawfully diverted the funds for personal use.
Police recover stock from newly opened shop
Investigations later led detectives to a shop at Chireya Business Centre that Chihambakwe had reportedly opened using part of the stolen money.
After her arrest, she allegedly assisted police by pointing out the premises, where merchandise valued at about US$2,500 was recovered as part of the investigation.
Court ties freedom to repayment of stolen funds
The court imposed a nine-year prison sentence but suspended six months for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining eight years and six months were also suspended on the condition that Chihambakwe immediately repays US$15,795 and R4,300 to Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd.
The ruling means she will avoid serving time in prison provided she meets the restitution requirements and does not commit further offences during the suspension period.
The post Mukuru Cashier Steals US$34K, Uses Loot to Open Shop appeared first on iHarare News.
