Manager fakes robbery, pockets US$20 000
THE branch manager of a local retail company allegedly faked a robbery and pocketed more than US$20 000, a Harare magistrate has heard. Rodwell Puruzende (27) appeared in court yesterday facing charges of theft of trust property.
Puruzende, who was employed at Costham Trading as a manager in Zvishavane, was not formally charged when he appeared before magistrate Ms Memory Chigwaza.
He was remanded in custody to December 6 after the State asked for time to verify if the accused had furnished the court with his genuine home address.
The State alleges that Puruzende was required to remit all cash collected every Sunday to the company's head office in Harare.
He was told he should phone the general manager and maintain contact with him as he came to Harare and that the journey should be undertaken in daylight, the court heard.
On Saturday November 27 at around 1pm, it is alleged, Puruzende collected US$20 400 to remit to the head office.
He allegedly converted the money to his own use and faked a robbery. The State says nothing was recovered.
In his recorded statement Puruzende claims he lost the money to robbers along Rotten Row while on his way to the company's head office.
He claims that four robbers forced him into their vehicle and later dumped him in Belvedere after relieving him of the cash. Mr Nathaniel Chigoro prosecuted.
Meanwhile, three attendants at a service station in Rusape and a pump technician have been arrested for allegedly stealing 2 800 litres of diesel worth more than US$3 000.
It is alleged that the three attendants connived with the technician to manipulate fuel pumps at the service station to give incorrect readings.
Tafadzwa Maforo (19), Charles Folias (22) and Elvis Sajeni (36) are accused of hiring Hupenyu Murutsu (39) to manipulate the pumps.
Earlier this week they appeared before provincial magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere who remanded them to December 13 on US$50 bail each.
They were ordered to remain resident at their Rusape homes and not to interfere with witnesses.
Outlining the State's case, public prosecutor Mr Gift Chokodza said the four committed the offence in August this year at Total Service Station along the Harare-Mutare Road, which is run by Mr Alex Kachidza.
