A Harare magistrate has sentenced a Bakers Inn shift manager to 10 months in prison for stealing US$3 420 from his workplace and losing it all on the online betting platform Aviator, commonly known as “Kandege.” William Gonese (28), a resident of Unit M, Seke in Chitungwiza, pleaded guilty to theft charges before Magistrate Lynne Chinzou. His stated motivation for the crime was a desire to impress his new wife.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, December 28th, 2023. Gonese, employed as a shift manager at a Bakers Inn outlet on Chinhoyi Street in Harare, was entrusted with a float of US$3 420 to serve customers. However, instead of using the money for its intended purpose, Gonese diverted it to online betting via InnBucks deposits, hoping to significantly increase the amount through gambling on the Aviator platform.
His gamble proved disastrous. By 3:08 am the following morning, Gonese confessed to Simbisa Bakers Inn audit manager, Mr Yusufu Bruce, that he had lost the entire sum. He admitted to losing US$470 in cash and a further US$2 950 in InnBucks deposits. Mr Bruce immediately conducted a reconciliation at the shop, confirming the full amount of US$3 420 was missing. Nothing was recovered.
Prosecutor Ms Audrah Chitoro detailed the events to the court, outlining how Gonese, entrusted with the company funds, had instead used them for personal gain. The court heard that Gonese’s actions constituted a clear breach of trust and a serious violation of his employment responsibilities. His attempt to recoup the lost funds and make a profit only served to exacerbate the situation.
During his plea, Gonese explained his actions, stating that he committed the crime in an attempt to win more money to impress his new wife. This admission, while not mitigating the severity of his actions, provided some context to his decision-making.
Magistrate Chinzou initially sentenced Gonese to 30 months imprisonment. However, this sentence was partially suspended. Twelve months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, and an additional eight months were suspended on the condition that Gonese repays the stolen US$3 420. This means that Gonese will ultimately serve a 10-month prison sentence.
