By Desire Tshuma
Bindura – A 40-year-old Metro Hypermarket cashier has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison after squandering US$49,437 of company money on virtual betting platforms commonly known as “aviator” or “chindege”.
Peter Muza was convicted of theft of trust property by the Bindura Magistrates’ Court for offences committed between 8 and 29 August 2025 in Bindura.
According to NPAZ , Muza abused his position as a cashier to steal from his employer. His duties included collecting cash from till operators, reconciling daily takings, reporting shortages and ensuring all cash was banked intact through Cash 24 Security Company.
The court heard that instead of banking all the money collected, Muza would bank less than what he received and then falsify daily cash records to cover the shortfall. He later used the stolen money on virtual betting platforms.
The theft was uncovered on 31 August 2025 during a routine cash audit. Auditors compared Cash 24 Security Company banking receipts with the daily cash sheets submitted by Muza and found discrepancies. The audit revealed he had consistently deposited less money than he received while inflating figures on the cash sheets presented to management.
The court handed Muza an eight-year sentence. Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour and a further two years were set aside on condition that he restitutes the full US$49,437 to Metro Hypermarket. This leaves him to serve an effective 4-year jail term.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe stresses that theft of trust property is a grave offence.
“Theft of trust property is a grave offence that erodes workplace confidence and inflicts heavy financial losses on businesses. Those who abuse positions of trust will face prosecution and stiff custodial sentences upon conviction,” NPAZ said.
The case adds to growing warnings by authorities and businesses over losses linked to online gambling, with “chindege” betting blamed for fueling theft in workplaces.