By Dex
A 27-year-old cashier employed by Mukuru Money Transfers has been convicted and sentenced by the Gokwe Magistrates' Court after unlawfully converting more than US$15,000 belonging to her employer for personal use.
Masciline Chihambakwe, who was employed by Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd, trading as Mukuru Money Transfers, at Chireya Business Centre in Gokwe, was found guilty of theft after misappropriating cash entrusted to her for customer money transfer transactions.
The court heard that between 28 November and 11 December 2025, Chihambakwe received company cash floats and top-up consignments delivered by Safeguard Security Company for the purpose of paying customers collecting money transfers.
A routine spot check conducted on 28 November confirmed that she was in possession of US$8,599 and ZAR4,300. During the same period, she subsequently received additional cash consignments amounting to US$25,000 and ZAR5,000.
Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, Chihambakwe unlawfully diverted part of the money to finance her personal business venture.
The theft was uncovered following a routine audit conducted by the company's Midlands Regional Manager on 11 December 2025, which revealed a substantial cash shortfall and prompted an internal investigation before the matter was reported to the police.
Following her arrest, Chihambakwe led investigators to a shop she had established at Chireya Business Centre using part of the stolen funds. Police recovered merchandise valued at approximately US$2,500 from the premises.
The court heard that the offence resulted in a total financial prejudice of US$15,795 and ZAR4,300 to Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd trading as Mukuru Money Transfers.
In passing sentence, the court imposed an effective custodial sentence of nine years' imprisonment. Six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that the accused does not, during that period, commit a similar offence for which she is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The remaining eight years and six months were suspended on condition that Chihambakwe makes restitution to her employer by paying US$15,795 and ZAR4,300 forthwith.
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