Zimbabwe businessman jailed over US$125,000 theft

Businessman Vhurumu Mutero was sentenced on Tuesday to 48 months imprisonment after being convicted of theft of trust property involving US$125,000. The funds were entrusted to him for the purchase of a truck and various household items.

Magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu handed down the sentence, suspending 12 months on condition of good behaviour and another 24 months pending payment of the full US$125,000 restitution to the complainant by August 2025. This means Mutero will effectively serve 12 months behind bars.

The court heard that between February and July of last year, the complainant, Staffmark Private Limited, represented by Trevor Mwanandimayi, engaged Mutero to purchase a Toyota single cab truck along with a large range of household goods. The payments were made upfront to Mutero to facilitate the acquisitions.

The list of items included four double-door refrigerators, four 65-inch television sets, a washing machine, four sets of leather sofas, three dining table sets, four deep freezers, seven bed sets, office sofas, outdoor chairs, three tables, and eleven room dividers for office use.

Instead of fulfilling his obligations, Mutero allegedly misappropriated the funds for personal use, and to date, none of the money has been recovered.

The sentencing serves as a stern warning against misusing entrusted funds and highlights the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice in commercial dealings.