HARARE, Jul 17, (NewsDay Live) - A private security guard employed by a Harare firm has been sentenced to an effective three-year jail term for stealing US$160,000 from his employer’s cash vault.
A Harare magistrate heard that Ishmael Stanley Chakombera (38) was employed as a security guard at Valiage Enterprises in the city. Sometime in March last year, he made duplicate office and safe keys.
After committing the offence, he immediately resigned.
The theft only came to light a month later, and investigations pointed to the use of duplicate keys since there was no evidence of a violent break-in.
During interrogation, Chakombera disclosed that he had used part of the stolen money to buy a house in Budiriro 4, build a homestead in Mudzi complete with a borehole and solar system, and purchase a UD truck , a Nissan AD Van car, and a tricycle.
Property worth US$125,000 as well as the duplicate office and safe keys were recovered.
Chakombera was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, of which three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The other four years were suspended on condition that he pays US$35,000 restitution to by August 30, 2026, leaving him with an effective three-year jail term.
