Gardener who stole US$38k jailed

A MHONDORO man, who was in court for stealing US$38 000 from his employer, was yesterday sentenced to seven years in prison.

Gift Nyamayevhu pleaded guilty before Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko.

His sister, Elizabeth, pleaded not guilty to receiving stolen property.

Nyamayevhu was sentenced to seven years in prison, two of which were suspended on condition he restitutes the complainant, Harare medical doctor Gerald Nyoni.

Another year was suspended on condition of good behaviour.

He will serve an effective four years.

The court heard that Gift was employed by Nyoni, a medical doctor who stays in Strathaven. As a gardener, his duties included maintaining the house, and its surroundings, and feeding pets.

He was staying within the premises.

The court heard that Nyoni would leave Nyamayenvhu in charge of the house.

When he was away, Nyamayevhu and his sister connived to steal and took away US$38 000 and 2000 British pounds.

To conceal the offence, Nyamayevhu replaced US$6 900 with fake notes in US$100 denominations.

On April 24, Nyoni unlocked his safe and took the money for banking but realised there was a US$26 900 shortfall.

There was also US$6 900 in fake notes. He filed a police report leading to the recovery of a laptop, traveling bags and clothes at Nyamayevhu’s rural home.

He incriminated his sister as the one who brought the fake notes.

He had also built a five-roomed house which he fully furnished, a five hectare plot and bought cattle and goats using the stolen money.

Moses Mapanga appeared for the State.