Bookkeeper steals $101,000 from cleaning firm

Zim Now Writer

A local cleaning firm and its subsidiaries have suffered a significant financial loss due to a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by their former bookkeeper. Kiritea Da Silva, 42, allegedly embezzled a total of US$101,000 over the past year, according to prosecutors.

Da Silva worked for Pan Cleaning Services Private Limited, Mac Brothers Zimbabwe, and Brennan’s Diesel Services Private Limited, all located in Harare. Her responsibilities included handling cash receipts, banking, and general bookkeeping.

According to the allegations, Da Silva was entrusted with cash on multiple occasions by the company's manager, Charlot Evans. The funds were intended to be deposited into the company's Nedbank Nostro account. However, instead of fulfilling her duties, Da Silva allegedly diverted the money for her personal use.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Da Silva successfully converted a total of US$101,573 to her own benefit. The alleged thefts occurred between January 1, 2023, and August of this year.

Da Silva resigned from her position shortly after the fraud was discovered. She appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Wednesday to face charges related to theft.