Bata employee accused of stealing US$12,600 stock

A 43-year-old Chitungwiza man has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on allegations of stealing footwear and other merchandise valued at more than US$12,600 from a Bata Shoe Company branch where he was entrusted with managing stock.

Admire Moyo was arraigned before magistrate Ruth Moyo facing a charge of theft of trust property.

He was granted bail and is expected to return to court as investigations continue.

The complainant in the matter is Bata Shoe Company's Makoni Branch, represented by branch sales manager Timothy Makomeke.

Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that Moyo was responsible for stock under his custody at the Bata Makoni Branch between March 11 and June 13 this year.

According to the State, Moyo allegedly removed various footwear and non-footwear items from the branch on several occasions without authorisation during that period.

The alleged theft came to light following a stock verification exercise conducted on March 18 by district sales manager Paradzai Prince and an internal auditor.

The audit reportedly uncovered significant shortages involving both footwear and other merchandise.

Prosecutors told the court that Moyo was subsequently asked to explain the discrepancies but failed to provide a satisfactory account for the missing stock.

Investigations allegedly established that merchandise valued at US$12,624.70 had disappeared from the branch.

The State further alleges that after removing the goods, Moyo transported them to an unknown location and converted them to his personal use.

No stolen property has been recovered.

As a result, Bata Shoe Company is said to have suffered a financial prejudice of US$12,624.70.

The matter remains before the courts, and Moyo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.