News / National
N Richards cashier steals US$35 250
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Police in Rusape have launched a manhunt for a cashier at N Richards Wholesalers, Tawanda Manzvinde (34), who is accused of stealing US$35,250 in cash collected over the Easter holiday - in a heist that has exposed glaring lapses in both internal controls and external security procedures.
Manzvinde, whose last known address is 3542 Magamba Extension, Rusape, is now a fugitive from justice and is believed to have fled the country. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has intensified its search for him and is appealing to the public for information. A reward of US$2,500 has been offered for any tip-off that leads to his arrest.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed investigations are underway but declined to provide further details, citing protocol related to the high value of the theft.
"You will need to speak with Commissioner Paul Nyathi on this matter, as I am not authorised to comment, given the amount involved," Chinyoka said.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Manzvinde was entrusted with collecting cash from till operators at the end of each business day and coordinating with Fawcett Security Company to secure the funds overnight before banking.
On April 16, 2025, Manzvinde allegedly began executing a fraudulent scheme. After collecting US$13,217, he is accused of placing neatly cut bond paper - disguised to resemble cash - inside a sealed cash box which he then handed to Fawcett Security for safekeeping. The security team reportedly failed to verify the contents of the box.
He is said to have repeated the deception from April 17 to 21, collecting an additional US$22,033 from the till operators and using the same tactic - bond paper sealed in boxes - which were accepted without inspection.
According to sources, Manzvinde was last seen on April 21. He did not report for duty on April 22, raising suspicions. His supervisor, Mr Brian Mukwenha, contacted Manzvinde's wife, Mrs Rumbidzai Madondo (31), who claimed she had not seen him since the previous day.
Concerned, Mukwenha requested Fawcett Security to return the sealed cash boxes. Upon opening them in his presence, they discovered the bond paper decoys - confirming their worst fears.
The matter was immediately reported to Rusape Central Police Station, prompting a full-scale CID investigation, registered under CRB 6292029. As of now, no arrests have been made and no money has been recovered.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Manzvinde's whereabouts to contact the nearest police station. N Richards Wholesalers reiterated its commitment to justice, stating:
"We are offering a US$2,500 reward for credible information leading to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of company funds."
The case has raised serious questions about procedural oversight and due diligence on the part of the involved security service provider.
Manzvinde, whose last known address is 3542 Magamba Extension, Rusape, is now a fugitive from justice and is believed to have fled the country. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has intensified its search for him and is appealing to the public for information. A reward of US$2,500 has been offered for any tip-off that leads to his arrest.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed investigations are underway but declined to provide further details, citing protocol related to the high value of the theft.
"You will need to speak with Commissioner Paul Nyathi on this matter, as I am not authorised to comment, given the amount involved," Chinyoka said.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Manzvinde was entrusted with collecting cash from till operators at the end of each business day and coordinating with Fawcett Security Company to secure the funds overnight before banking.
On April 16, 2025, Manzvinde allegedly began executing a fraudulent scheme. After collecting US$13,217, he is accused of placing neatly cut bond paper - disguised to resemble cash - inside a sealed cash box which he then handed to Fawcett Security for safekeeping. The security team reportedly failed to verify the contents of the box.
According to sources, Manzvinde was last seen on April 21. He did not report for duty on April 22, raising suspicions. His supervisor, Mr Brian Mukwenha, contacted Manzvinde's wife, Mrs Rumbidzai Madondo (31), who claimed she had not seen him since the previous day.
Concerned, Mukwenha requested Fawcett Security to return the sealed cash boxes. Upon opening them in his presence, they discovered the bond paper decoys - confirming their worst fears.
The matter was immediately reported to Rusape Central Police Station, prompting a full-scale CID investigation, registered under CRB 6292029. As of now, no arrests have been made and no money has been recovered.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Manzvinde's whereabouts to contact the nearest police station. N Richards Wholesalers reiterated its commitment to justice, stating:
"We are offering a US$2,500 reward for credible information leading to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of company funds."
The case has raised serious questions about procedural oversight and due diligence on the part of the involved security service provider.
Source - the herald
