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Online investment scam backfires for EcoCash agents
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An attempt to make quick profits through an online investment scheme ended disastrously for two Mutare women who were convicted of fraud after misusing their employer's US$1,500. The crime came to light during an end-of-day stocktake that revealed a major financial shortfall.
Progress Muzite (25) and Winfilder Dangarembizi (27) appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe, who found them guilty of contravening Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. The two were sentenced to five months in prison, suspended on condition they repay the stolen money.
Prosecutor Sharon Mlambo told the court that the offence occurred on June 16 while Muzite was employed as an EcoCash agent. Entrusted with managing digital financial transactions, she conspired with Dangarembizi to divert operational funds into a risky and ultimately fruitless online investment.
"On the said date, Muzite transferred three separate amounts of US$500 to two mobile numbers provided by Dangarembizi, who had promised that the cash would be returned once her online transaction was complete," said Mlambo.
However, their employer discovered the US$1,500 deficit during routine reconciliations, prompting investigations. It was then revealed that Muzite had sent the money to Dangarembizi without securing the actual cash in return.
In her defence, Dangarembizi insisted the money was borrowed for a business opportunity, claiming she had invested it through a male associate who later disappeared with the funds.
"I never intended to steal from Muzite. I believed the online deal would succeed, but the person I trusted vanished. It was never my intention to deceive anyone," she told the court.
Despite the explanation, both women were found guilty of theft and were each ordered to pay back US$750 as restitution. Their five-month prison terms were suspended on condition of full repayment, sparing them from jail but leaving them with criminal records and a debt to clear.
Progress Muzite (25) and Winfilder Dangarembizi (27) appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe, who found them guilty of contravening Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. The two were sentenced to five months in prison, suspended on condition they repay the stolen money.
Prosecutor Sharon Mlambo told the court that the offence occurred on June 16 while Muzite was employed as an EcoCash agent. Entrusted with managing digital financial transactions, she conspired with Dangarembizi to divert operational funds into a risky and ultimately fruitless online investment.
"On the said date, Muzite transferred three separate amounts of US$500 to two mobile numbers provided by Dangarembizi, who had promised that the cash would be returned once her online transaction was complete," said Mlambo.
In her defence, Dangarembizi insisted the money was borrowed for a business opportunity, claiming she had invested it through a male associate who later disappeared with the funds.
"I never intended to steal from Muzite. I believed the online deal would succeed, but the person I trusted vanished. It was never my intention to deceive anyone," she told the court.
Despite the explanation, both women were found guilty of theft and were each ordered to pay back US$750 as restitution. Their five-month prison terms were suspended on condition of full repayment, sparing them from jail but leaving them with criminal records and a debt to clear.
Source - Manica Post
