Masvingo prison officer accused of stealing fuel coupons worth US$1,500
In a concerning case of betrayal of trust, a 43-year-old prison officer employed by the Zimbabwe Prison Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Masvingo has been remanded in custody for allegedly stealing fuel coupons worth US$1,500 from a colleague.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the incident occurred on May 3rd, 2024, at the ZPCS Provincial Headquarters in Masvingo. The complainant, Proud Gengezha, had received diesel coupons worth 13,390 litres from Dzingirai Muchachavanga on that day.
Gengezha then entrusted the accused, Shadreck Jongwe Mujati, with the diesel coupons as well as petrol coupons worth 1,000 litres for safekeeping on May 6th. Mujati placed the coupons in a locker, locked it, and kept the keys on his person.
However, the following day, Mujati informed Gengezha that the petrol coupons worth 1,000 litres were missing. Interestingly, neither the door nor the lock appeared to have been tampered with, and Mujati was still in possession of the keys.
The total value of the stolen coupons amounted to US$1,500, and none of the missing items have been recovered so far. Mujati has been remanded in custody until June 24th, as the investigation into the matter continues.
This incident has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability within public institutions, particularly those entrusted with the safekeeping of valuable resources. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such breaches of trust from occurring in the future.
As the case progresses, it is crucial that the justice system swiftly and thoroughly addresses this matter, not only to ensure the recovery of the stolen assets but also to send a strong message that such criminal acts will not be tolerated within the public sector.
