Driver gambles company’s US$3 753 on Aviator popularly known as Kandege
A 23-YEAR-OLD man employed by Trinity Pharmacy in Harare as a driver, Edwin Ziko, appeared in court yesterday for allegedly misappropriating US$3 753 in company funds betting on Aviator, popularly known as kandege.
Ziko faced two counts of theft of trust property before Harare magistrate Mr Artwell Sanyatwe.
During the court proceedings, Ziko pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, explaining that he had not intended to steal the funds, but had gambled the money with hopes of multiplying it.
He is scheduled to return to court on Monday for sentencing.
The complainant in the case is Trinity Pharmacy, represented by its human resources and administration officer, Mr Fidelis Chiwada.
According to Prosecutor Ms Dzidzai Josiah, Ziko was responsible for delivering and collecting cash for the pharmacy when the incidents occurred on November 5.
The first incident took place at Trinity Pharmacy’s Karigamombe Branch in Harare’s Central Business District.
Ziko collected four envelopes containing US$1 400 and ZiG 400, signing the cash-up collection book to confirm receipt.
However, by midday, when the accounts manager only identified as Mr Hama followed up with the branch manager, it was confirmed that Ziko had collected the cash, but failed to deposit it at head office.
Further investigations revealed that Ziko had converted the money for his personal use.
The second incident occurred at the Chiremba Road branch in Hillside, where Ziko delivered medical supplies and claimed he was sent to collect cash.
He received five sealed envelopes containing US$2 353, which he also failed to deliver to head office, opting instead to gamble away the funds.
In total, Ziko misappropriated US$3 753 and ZiG 400, none of which has been recovered.
Trinity Pharmacy became aware of the thefts after Ziko failed to account for the cash collections.
During his court appearance, Ziko admitted to his actions and reiterated his belief that he could win more money through betting on Aviator. The court will consider his plea of remorse as it deliberates his sentencing scheduled for Monday.
