Netombo Transport employee in court for maize thef...

Netombo Transport employee in court for maize theft

Michael Mashiri

A Netombo Transport Logistics employee has been arraigned before the courts accused of stealing maize from bakers and millers.

Wiseman Mazhakata, 38, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with theft.

He was remanded in custody.

The complainant in this matter is Central Bakers and Millers represented by Nelson Tom.

The State alleges that on September 5, 2023, one Edwin Mwale, a miller at Central Bakery, Pomona, said there was a shortfall on the maize stock, which had been delivered at Central Bakery and Millers from May 2023 to July 2023 on an official company WhatsApp group.

It is reported that Central Bakers and Miller's then did an internal investigation, which noted that on May 9, 2023, Mazhakata’s truck was loaded with 600 bags × 50 kgs of maize from Brompton Ranch Kadoma.

The load was supposed to be transported and delivered at Central Bakery Pomona but instead delivered only 590 bags and took the other 10 bags for themselves.

The court was informed that on June 6, 2023, Mazhakata’s truck was again loaded with 600 bags × 50 kgs of maize from Brompton Ranch Farm but delivered 590 bags and took 10 bags which he converted for personal gain.

It is also alleged that on July 15, 2023, Mazhakata’s truck was again loaded with 600 bags × 50 kgs but he instead took the whole truck to himself and never made a delivery.

As a result, Central Bakers lost US$10 070.