5 employees up for theft of raw materials worth US...

5 employees up for theft of raw materials worth US$135k

Michael Mashiri

Five employees of Fruitridge Private Limited, who stole raw materials from the company during the night and weekends, leading to the company losing US$135 550, have appeared in court.

Herbert Katiyo, 48; Albert John, 39, both from Mabvuku, Johnson Gonera, 42, and Francis Murambasvina, 31, both of Msasa and Anyway Kanawa, 38, of Mabvuku, appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa at the Harare Magistrates' Court accused of theft.

The complainant in the matter is Fruitridge Private Limited, which produces maheu, porridge and maize-meal and is located in Msasa.

The State alleges that, from May 2023, the five stole raw materials used for producing powder used for preparing porridge and maheu from the company.

They took advantage of the absence of the management during nights and weekends and loaded various amounts of raw materials, including soya, maize and sugar into Murambasvina's car.

The five would share the money among themselves.

On June, 1, 2023, Fruitridge Private Limited received 877 tonnes of maize, which they use as raw material for their products, from their supplier, RSG Superfeed.

On February 2, Fruitridge did stock take and discovered that only 96 tonnes of maize was available and 347 tonnes was missing.

That led to the matter being reported to the police.

As a result, Fruitridge Private Limited lost US$135 550.