Highview Private Clinic Accountant Accused of Stealing US$2k

Munyaradzi Mashiri | Court Correspondent

A 30-year-old accountant has appeared in court facing allegations of fraudulently diverting US$2,614.60 meant for Highview Private Clinic and Maternity into his personal Ecobank account.

Tonderai Shaimano appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of fraud.

The complainant in the matter is Highview Private Clinic and Maternity, represented by its loss control manager, Kirispen Mutsengi.

Shaimano was employed by the clinic as an accountant. His responsibilities included following up on payments from medical aid providers, reconciling books of accounts, and overseeing general administration at the institution.

On July 24, 2023, while performing his duties, Shaimano allegedly abused his position by sending an email to Bonvie Medical Aid instructing them to deposit funds due to Highview Clinic into a specified Ecobank account.

When the clinic noticed that Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme had not remitted its usual monthly payments, it launched an inquiry.

It was discovered that the medical aid provider had been making payments into the Ecobank account as directed by the accused.

Further investigations revealed that the Ecobank account belonged to Shaimano, and that he had received and used the funds for personal benefit.

As a result, the clinic lost US$2,614.60.