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2 former bank employees in court for US$33K fraud
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Two former employees of Steward Bank have been charged with defrauding the bank of over US$33,000 by exploiting dormant client accounts. The accused, Audrey Njanike (38) and Ian Takaedza (36), allegedly carried out the scheme using fraudulent visa cards during their tenure at Steward Bank's Avondale Branch in Harare.
Njanike, who worked as a dispute and chargebacks clerk, and Takaedza, a cards operations clerk, were dismissed from the bank on January 24 after an internal audit uncovered suspicious activities. Subsequent investigations led to their arrests, with the pair appearing before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Appolonia Marutya. They were granted bail of US$200 each and are set to return to court on March 3.
Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu outlined the details of the alleged fraud, which occurred between September 27, 2023, and January 9, 2024. The two reportedly collaborated with another suspect, Alexander Rwambiwa, who remains at large. The trio is accused of generating fake visa cards and opening fraudulent visa accounts linked to dormant client accounts. They then transferred funds from these accounts into the fraudulent accounts under fictitious names and withdrew the money using the fake cards.
The scheme came to light during an audit, which revealed unauthorised withdrawals and raised red flags within the bank. Steward Bank, represented by its security and investigations officer, Mr. Maheya Ezekiel, reported a financial loss of US$33,285. None of the stolen funds have been recovered.
This case highlights the risks of internal fraud within financial institutions and the importance of rigorous monitoring systems. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to apprehend Rwambiwa and recover the stolen funds.
Njanike, who worked as a dispute and chargebacks clerk, and Takaedza, a cards operations clerk, were dismissed from the bank on January 24 after an internal audit uncovered suspicious activities. Subsequent investigations led to their arrests, with the pair appearing before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Appolonia Marutya. They were granted bail of US$200 each and are set to return to court on March 3.
Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu outlined the details of the alleged fraud, which occurred between September 27, 2023, and January 9, 2024. The two reportedly collaborated with another suspect, Alexander Rwambiwa, who remains at large. The trio is accused of generating fake visa cards and opening fraudulent visa accounts linked to dormant client accounts. They then transferred funds from these accounts into the fraudulent accounts under fictitious names and withdrew the money using the fake cards.
The scheme came to light during an audit, which revealed unauthorised withdrawals and raised red flags within the bank. Steward Bank, represented by its security and investigations officer, Mr. Maheya Ezekiel, reported a financial loss of US$33,285. None of the stolen funds have been recovered.
This case highlights the risks of internal fraud within financial institutions and the importance of rigorous monitoring systems. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to apprehend Rwambiwa and recover the stolen funds.
Source - the herald
