A Mukuru Money Transfers employee has been jailed for nine years for stealing over US$15 000 from her employer.
Masciline Chihambakwe (27), a cashier employed by Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd trading as Mukuru Money Transfers at Chireya Business Centre, was convicted before Gokwe Magistrates’ Court for unlawfully converting company funds entrusted to her for cash disbursement to customers.
She was sentenced to nine (9) years’ imprisonment.
Of the sentence, six months were suspended for five years on the usual conditions of good behaviour, while the remaining eight years and six months were suspended on condition that she pays restitution of US$15,795 and ZAR4,300 forthwith to the victim.
It was proved that between November, 28 and December 11 in 2025, the offender was entrusted with company cash floats and received additional cash top-ups through Safeguard Security Company to facilitate Mukuru money transfer transactions.
A routine spot check on November 28 confirmed that she held a cash float of US$8,599 and ZAR4,300.
She subsequently received additional cash consignments amounting to US$25,000 and ZAR5,000.
Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, the offender diverted the money for personal benefit.
A spot check conducted by the company’s Midlands Regional Manager on the 11th of December 2025 uncovered a significant cash shortfall, leading to investigations.
Following her arrest, the offender made indications to the police and led investigators to a shop at Chireya Business Centre that she had established using part of the stolen money. Merchandise valued at approximately US$2,500 was recovered from the premises.
The total prejudice suffered by the victim amounted to US$15,795 and ZAR4,300.
