A Harare man Rocky-Thomas Nlosikhona Mkhethiwa has been brought before the courts on allegations of defrauding his employer of US$112,000.
Mkhethiwa appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing two separate fraud charges. He was granted bail set at US$1,000 and is scheduled to return to court on April 24.
The first charge was filed by Evolution Group Limited, represented by its managing director, January Norman.
According to court documents, Mkhethiwa was employed as a cashier and payments officer for the company, granting him access to its corporate accounts. Between December 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, he allegedly initiated multiple transactions amounting to US$112,000, disguising them as legitimate, management-approved payments.
However, prosecutors claim that after transferring the funds to various companies, Mkhethiwa would follow up to collect either goods or cash for personal gain. The alleged fraud came to light after Evolution Group conducted an internal audit, leading to a police report being filed.
As a result, the company suffered a financial loss of US$112,000, none of which has been recovered.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Mussa Loses Goods Worth $105K in Warehouse Heist
Mkhethiwa is also accused of defrauding Stayned Investments Private Limited, whose finance manager, Cornelius Chitagu, is the complainant in the second case.
On December 30, 2024, Mkhethiwa reportedly approached Stayned Investments, claiming he had a nostro transfer in his company’s account and needed cash. Believing the claim to be genuine, the company handed him US$42,000 in cash.
The funds were supposedly meant for a Delta Beverages payment, allowing Stayned Investments to collect beverages after the transaction was processed. However, prosecutors allege that Mkhethiwa later sent a fake proof of payment, showing only US$8,000 had been transferred to Delta Beverages.
When Stayned Investments attempted to retrieve their funds, they discovered that no actual payment had been made. Efforts to contact Mkhethiwa were unsuccessful, as he allegedly became evasive.
The total financial loss suffered by both companies amounts to US$154,000, with no funds recovered so far. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to uncover further details regarding the alleged fraudulent activities.
