Byo Publicity Association secretary ‘steals’ $25 000
A SECRETARY at the Bulawayo Publicity Association (BPA) is on the run after she allegedly stole $25 000 from the organisation’s trust fund.
Jackie Kennedy from Bulawayo’s Paddonhurst suburb allegedly disappeared three weeks ago after failing to restitute the BPA’s funds that she admitted to have embezzled over three years.
Police have since launched a manhunt for her after her disappearance on November 7.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said police are hunting Kennedy in connection with two counts of theft of trust funds.
He said Kennedy withdrew company’s funds as well as complainant’s funds totalling $24 700 between January 2013 and October this year.
“The accused person was not remitting monies meant for the complainant’s Cimas Medical Aid Scheme for the period exceeding 15 months. She could not account for $700 meant for the payment of TelOne bills during the period January 2013 to date. She also withdrew $19 000 from the association’s Standard Chartered Bank account and took the complainant’s personal $5 000 that was kept in a safe,” he said.
Asst Insp Ncube said it is unclear how Kennedy was making bank withdrawals when she was not a signatory to the association’s account.
“The analysis revealed that the accused person had on several occasions withdrawn money from association’s account using unknown means although she was not a signatory to the said account for the period 2015 to 2016 to date,” said Asst Insp Ncube.
He said on October 21 Kennedy’s unscrupulous dealings were discovered. She promised to pay back the money in two weeks’ time.
“On November 7, 2016, she did not report to work. The total amount stolen currently stands at $24 700 and efforts to locate her have been fruitless hence the appeal to anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to come forward,” he said.
“They can also contact officer in charge C.I.D Commercial Crimes Division Southern Region Detective Chief Inspector Sibanda on 0772 372 710 or 09-78615 or Investigating Officer Detective Assistant Inspector Nkomo on 071 2 082 518,” said Asst Insp Ncube. — @nqotshili.