Epworth woman faces court for allegedly embezzling US$52,000 from boyfriend, acquiring assets
A woman hailing from Epworth found herself in the courtroom yesterday, facing charges of allegedly stealing a significant sum of US$52,000 from her boyfriend based in South Africa.
It is claimed that she utilized the ill-gotten funds to purchase a house and two vehicles.
Ottilia Chikandira, aged 35, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr. Dennis Mangosi, where she was formally accused of money laundering. The court granted her bail in the amount of US$400, and her trial is scheduled to commence on January 30th of next year.
According to the State’s case, detectives from the CID Homicide division received information on Sunday regarding Chikandira’s extravagant spending spree, believed to be funded by stolen money from South Africa. Acting swiftly, the authorities launched an investigation, which revealed that Chikandira had reportedly acquired a Toyota Hiace Quantum valued at US$15,300, a Honda Fit hybrid priced at US$8,600, and a house in Unit L, Seke, Chitungwiza, for US$26,000.
Subsequently, Chikandira was apprehended by law enforcement, leading to the recovery of US$2,300 in cash. However, when pressed for an explanation regarding the origin of the substantial sum, she failed to provide a satisfactory response.
