Chinese national in court over theft of US$70k

Michael Mashiri

A Chinese national who stole US$70 000 from Sino Africa, which he had been given to safeguard and sent it to his wife in China has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.

Ye Xiao Chen, 41, of Belgravia, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with theft of trust property.

The complainant in this case is Sino Africa represented by Zhang Xiang, 32, of Belgravia.

The State, through prosecutor Grace Mugocheke, alleges that sometime in May 2023, Chen was trusted and given US$82 500, proceeds from casino activities being run by Sino Africa.

He was given keys to the safe and they stayed with him, he was only supposed to release the keys when they were needed by Xiang.

Later during the same month, a random spot check was done and Chen was found short of US$70 000 and he was interrogated by Xiang, he admitted guilt and told him that the money had been sent to China to his wife.

The total money was US$70 000 and it was recovered.

Mangosi ordered Chen to appear in court tomorrow for bail application since there was no Chinese interpreter.