Employee Sentenced for Embezzlement as Businessman’s Fraud Trial Continues – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent| A former employee of MA Auto Supplies, Lorraine Mawema, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for misappropriating over $3,500 entrusted to her by her employer.

Mawema was arrested in June after failing to account for funds, including money earmarked for fuel allowances for other employees.

Initially, she admitted to using the funds in a sworn affidavit and pledged to repay the amount. However, she later reversed her plea, leading her employer to escalate the case to court.

During the investigation, authorities confirmed that Mawema had used the funds for personal purposes. She was granted bail under strict conditions, including regular reporting to Marlborough Police Station.

On December 3, Mawema was convicted and remanded in custody.

Recently, she was sentenced to 24 months, with portions of the sentence suspended under various conditions.

Six months were suspended for five years, provided she does not commit a similar offense during that period.

Another six months were suspended on the condition that she repays the embezzled funds by January 27, 2025.

The remaining 12 months were suspended on the condition that she completes 420 hours of community service.

Meanwhile, the trial of Michael Smith, a businessman accused of defrauding MA Auto Supplies of more than $38,000 and R124,000, is ongoing.

Smith faces a range of charges, including two counts of theft of trust property, 12 counts of fraud, and 25 counts of corruptly concealing transactions from his principal. The State continued to lead evidence from witnesses in his case before Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera.

Smith has been remanded to February 2025 as the trial progresses.

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