Ex-Airlink manager remanded in US$693k theft

Former Airlink country manager Morgan Tagarira Sibanda has been remanded to May 11 for a possible trial date in a case involving alleged money laundering and theft of trust property amounting to US$693,553.

Sibanda, who is currently out on bail, previously served as the airline's country manager in Zimbabwe, where he was responsible for overseeing ticket sales operations.

Prosecutors allege that Airlink Private Limited entrusted him with handling daily cash collections, safeguarding company funds and ensuring that all revenue was deposited into the airline's designated bank account.

According to the State, Sibanda allegedly devised a scheme in August 2024 to siphon funds by deliberately underbanking daily cash collections from ticket sales.

Between September 1, 2024 and August 30, 2025, he is accused of collecting various sums but failing to deposit a total of US$693,553, which prosecutors claim he converted to personal use.

The alleged offence reportedly came to light in early September 2025 when internal auditors from the company's head office conducted a reconciliation of the Harare branch's financial records.

The audit is said to have uncovered significant discrepancies, leading to the discovery of the missing funds and subsequent criminal charges.

The matter is now set to return to court on May 11, when a possible trial date is expected to be determined.