Albina Mutiza a woman from Harare has been brought before the court on charges of theft after allegedly embezzling more than US$27,000 from her workplace.
Albina, employed as a sales assistant by Priddles Investments (Pvt) Ltd, appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo and was denied bail. She will remain in custody until her next court date on April 29.
Mutiza worked at Shop F4B in the Gulf Complex, located in central Harare. Between April 2024 and April 2025, her employer reportedly noticed a concerning drop in sales linked to her shift reports.
Suspecting financial misconduct, the company commissioned an audit by Mr Kanyoka from Preak Enterprises.
The audit uncovered a financial shortfall of US$27,375.36, raising red flags about the shop’s operations under Mutiza’s management.
According to the prosecution, on April 7, 2025, Mutiza completed her shift, printed the day’s sales report, and handed over US$1,075. However, it’s alleged she returned later and conducted additional sales totalling US$335, which she did not immediately account for.
Her employer was informed that the shop’s computer had been accessed after hours. Upon confronting her alongside another employee, Tino Mhondoro, Mutiza was asked to reprint the sales figures, which showed US$1,439 in total sales, US$364 more than the cash she initially submitted.
When questioned about the discrepancy, Mutiza reportedly produced US$335 from her pocket, claiming it was part of the day’s sales.
A police search conducted the next day at her Budiriro residence led to the recovery of ICT accessories valued at US$902, believed to be stolen from her employer.
So far, US$1,237 worth of goods and cash have been recovered, with the outstanding amount still under investigation.
