Masvingo – A trio of employees at the OK Mart Masvingo supermarket, including a manager, a security guard, and a shop assistant, have been arrested and charged with theft of goods worth US$15 770.
The incident, which unfolded on August 21, 2024, involved a carefully orchestrated scheme to pilfer a variety of items from the supermarket shelves.
The accused, identified as Rebecca Shandirwa, an employee (21), Alois Makova (47), a food and liquor Manager and Trust Junior Mahove (25) a security guard, were granted bail of US$100 each by Masvingo Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi. The trio, who face charges of theft, are alleged to have conspired to steal a substantial quantity of Jade soap, Cascade drinks, and Ekono rice and spaghetti.
The elaborate scheme began with Shandirwa, who was off duty, visiting the supermarket and making a seemingly legitimate purchase of 100 units of various types of Jade soap.
However, this was merely a smokescreen for the real operation. Shandirwa, along with Makova, the food and liquor manager, and Mahove, the security guard, had hatched a plan to steal from the supermarket.
The trio then allegedly stole 380 boxes of Jade soap, valued at US$7 220, by taking advantage of the shop’s inventory system. They allegedly stole 100 boxes each of 250g×20 lime Jade soaps, 100 boxes each of 250g×20 pink Jade soaps, and 100 boxes each of 250g ×20 white Jade soaps.
Later that day, Makova purchased 62 units of 400mls Cascade orange drinks and 70 units of 400mls Cascade baobab drinks. However, the trio allegedly went on to steal 62 cases of 400ml×20 Cascade orange drinks and 70 cases of 400ml×20 Cascade baobab drinks valued at US$1755, 60.
The scheme continued with Shandirwa purchasing 150 units of 2kg Ekono white rice and 150 units of 400g Ekono spaghetti. The trio, acting in collusion, then stole 150 cases of 2kg×10 Ekono rice and 150 boxes of 400g ×20 Ekono spaghetti, far exceeding the quantities they had paid for.
The trio’s carefully planned operation was ultimately foiled by the supermarket’s CCTV system, which captured their actions. The footage provided irrefutable evidence of their theft, leading to their arrest.
The case against the three employees is being prosecuted by Godknows Mugondo. The prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the trio acted with intent to defraud the supermarket and that they benefited from the stolen goods.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.
