Masvingo – A 26-year-old former security guard, Tenant Chiremba, has been sentenced to seven years behind bars after being convicted of stealing nearly a thousand US dollars from his employer and then setting the company’s office ablaze in a desperate attempt to cover his tracks. The Masvingo Magistrates Court heard how Chiremba’s actions not only resulted in the loss of company funds but also caused extensive damage to property.
Chiremba, who was employed by Muzpen Security Company, appeared before the court on the 11th of this month, facing serious charges under Section 140 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9.23. The charges stemmed from a brazen act of theft and arson that has left the company counting its losses.
The case, which was investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Masvingo, revealed a calculated attempt by Chiremba to evade justice. According to the CID, Chiremba stole US$975 from the company’s offices where he was entrusted with maintaining security. In a bid to destroy any evidence linking him to the crime, he then proceeded to set the office on fire.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the national CID spokesperson, provided details of the case, outlining the extent of Chiremba’s criminal behaviour. She explained how the accused, after stealing the money, deliberately started a fire in the office in an attempt to conceal his crime.
“When the man set fire to the office, his intention was to destroy evidence of the theft he had committed. The fire he started destroyed property worth US$16,010. Because of this case, he appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court before magistrate Caroline Tafirei and prosecutor Laiton Katsidzire,” Det Insp Muteweri stated.
The fire, as Detective Inspector Muteweri highlighted, caused significant damage, with property worth an estimated US$16,010 going up in smoke. The cost of the damage far outweighs the initial amount stolen, leaving Muzpen Security Company with a hefty bill to repair the office and replace the destroyed equipment.
The court heard how Chiremba’s actions were not only criminal but also reckless, endangering the lives of anyone who might have been in the vicinity of the fire. His actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the law and the safety of others.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented a compelling case against Chiremba, detailing the evidence gathered by the CID and highlighting the severity of his crimes. The state successfully argued that a custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the offences and to deter others from engaging in similar criminal behaviour.
Magistrate Caroline Tafirei, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, taking into account the premeditated nature of the crime, the value of the property destroyed, and the need to send a clear message that such actions would not be tolerated.
The court sentenced Chiremba to seven years imprisonment, a significant penalty that reflects the gravity of his offences.
In the wake of the sentencing, Detective Inspector Muteweri commended the courts for their commitment to fighting crime and upholding justice. She praised the dedication of the magistrates and prosecutors involved in the case, highlighting their role in ensuring that the law is applied fairly and consistently.
“As the police, we greatly commend the courts for the dedication of magistrates and prosecutors in their work in the fight against crime and ensuring that the laws are followed,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
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