COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR HARDWARE MANAGER

A FORMER manager with Bhola Hardware will perform 205 hours of community service at Hatfield police station after he was convicted of stealing goods worth $7 065,35 from his employer.

Harare magistrate Tendai Muchini initially slapped Stevens with a 10-month jail term before suspending four months on condition that he restitutes $83 595.

Another six months were suspended on condition that he performs 205 hours of community service at Hatfield police station.

The court heard that on July 20, Stevens received stock from Bhola Hardware to take to Borrowdale, where there was an exhibition show.

It is the State’s contention that the stock received by Stevens was accounted for on the stock-out sheet.

On July 24 at ABU Hardware, Stevens loaded the stock he was holding in a truck belonging to Bhola Hardware, which was being driven by Malvern Makande.

The stock was being taken back to Bhola Hardware, where Stevens had received it.

The court heard that Stevens, in the company of his workmates, loaded the stock into the truck and did not issue a delivery note when he dispatched the stock through Makande, nor did he accompany the truck for accounting purposes.

It was the State’s case that Makande was accompanied by Shepherd Marinda, a subordinate of Stevens as escort.

The court heard that when the stock was received at Bhola Hardware, it was established that 4x Techno cellphones and 10x solar lanterns were missing.

A report was made, leading to Stevens’ arrest. Tapiwanashe Zvidzai prosecuted.