KEY POINTS
- Businessman convicted for theft of trust property involving US$125,000.
- Court orders 12 months jail and full restitution by August 2025.
- Theft of trust property resulted from failure to purchase ordered goods.
On Tuesday, businessman Vhurumu Mutero was found guilty of stealing US$125,000 meant to buy a truck and other household goods. Mutero was given a 48-month prison sentence by Magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu, with an additional 36 months suspended for good behavior.
Businessman convicted for theft of trust property and funds
The court ordered Mutero to pay US$125,000 in reparations to the claimant by August 2025 and serve a 12-month jail sentence. The court clarified that Mutero had to meet these conditions in order for the suspended sentences to be granted.
The prosecution provided proof that Mutero was hired by Staffmark Private Limited, which was represented by Trevor Mwanandimayi, to purchase a Toyota single cab truck between February and July of last year. Mutero was also given the responsibility of using the funds entrusted to him to buy a long list of office and home supplies.
Four 65-inch television sets and four double-door refrigerators were among the items, according to the court documents. The planned purchases also included three sets of dining tables, four sets of leather sofas, and a washing machine.
Court orders restitution and jail time for theft of trust property
In addition, the complainant anticipated that Mutero would purchase three office tables, four deep freezers, seven bed sets, multiple office sofas, and outdoor chairs. Eleven room dividers intended to segregate office spaces were also on the list.
According to News day, Mutero reportedly changed the money for his own use rather than purchasing these items and the truck. To yet, neither the money nor any of the targeted products have been retrieved, the prosecution stressed.
Magistrate Panavanhu stated during sentencing that the crime seriously harmed the complainant by betraying the confidence that Staffmark Private Limited had placed in Mutero. In this case, the court emphasized the significance of restitution as a component of justice.
The court’s attempt to strike a balance between punishment and rehabilitation is reflected in Mutero’s sentence, which is conditioned on good behavior and the return of the stolen money.
