HARARE – A Greendale gardener, Collin Mubvumbi (43), appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Sharon Rakafa yesterday facing theft charges after confessing to stealing US$70,000 from his employer. Mubvumbi, who had worked for Mr Chakanyuka Nyatanga since 2013, was remanded in custody until today for a bail application.
The court heard that in November 2023, Mr Nyatanga hid US$70,000 inside a fitted wardrobe in his home, concealing it beneath a board. Mubvumbi, who had legitimate access to the house, allegedly noticed Mr Nyatanga hiding the cash. After Mr Nyatanga and his family left the property, Mubvumbi reportedly entered the bedroom, unscrewed a portion of the wardrobe, and stole the money.
It wasn’t until several months later that Mubvumbi confessed his crime to Mr Nyatanga. He returned US$32,800 – the remaining portion of the stolen funds. Mubvumbi had reportedly used a significant portion of the money to purchase two residential stands in Phase 17, Eastview, Goromonzi. The prosecution, led by Mr Takudzwa Mutyavaviri, detailed these events to the court.
This case follows another involving a Chinese national accused of fraud. Meng Dong (34) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei on charges of theft of trust property. He was granted US$300 bail and is expected to return to court on March 11 for the commencement of his trial.
Meng is represented by Mr Freddy Masarirevhu. The complainant is Sun Hao (51). The State, represented by Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleged that on February 2nd, Meng borrowed a pearl white Nissan Patrol from Sun Hao for what was supposed to be four days.
However, instead of returning the vehicle, Meng allegedly sold it on February 5th at Wiltech Auto Trade Car Sale on Enterprise Road, Harare. He reportedly used fraudulent documents, claiming to be acting as the vehicle’s owner.
Sun Hao subsequently discovered that his vehicle had been used as collateral for a loan Meng had obtained. He reported the matter to ZRP Highlands, leading to Meng’s arrest. Police recovered the stolen vehicle from Wilberforce Ruzvidzo of Wiltech Auto Trade Carsale, who had purchased it in good faith. The total value of the stolen vehicle is US$98,000, and it has been fully recovered.
