Thief Robbed: Employee Steals US$800, Loses It to Opportunist

Munyaradzi Mashiri 

Zim Now Court Correspondent 

A bizarre series of events unfolded at the corner of Chinhoyi Street and Samora Machel Avenue in Harare, where a man allegedly stole money from his employer, only for the stolen cash to be stolen again during a confrontation.

Lovemore Dhokwani, 20, has been arraigned before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing theft charges. 

The court heard that on December 14, the complainant received a call from her husband, Witness Kaunye, informing her that their employee, Tinotenda Ngavadare, had stolen US$800 from her cabbage sales.

Acting on the tip, the complainant tracked Ngavadare to the busy corner of Chinhoyi Street and Samora Machel Avenue, where he was waiting to board a commuter omnibus to Whitehouse.

When confronted, Ngavadare refused to return the money and became violent, allegedly assaulting the complainant with clenched fists.

Dhokwani, who was present during the altercation, intervened and managed to restrain Ngavadare. However, in the process, Dhokwani reportedly searched Ngavadare, took the stolen US$800, and fled the scene.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Dhokwani’s arrest.

Polite Chikiwa represented the State in the matter.