MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU–Former two AC Mine employees have been convicted of two counts of stealing chrome ore worth US$14 891.09, while the former mine manager Leonard Tapangana (37) now a fugitive has been issued with a warrant of arrest.
The two, Joseph Ndemera (70) who was employed as the assistant manager and Tapiwa Gwanyanya (29) a former front-end-loader operator were convicted by Gweru Provincial Magistrate, Tendai Killian Mahwe after a full trial.
Magistrate Mahwe sentenced Ndemera and Gwanyanya 15 months each in prison with no option of fine.
Four months were suspended for good behaviour and another seven months were suspended on condition that they restitute the complainant US$14 891.09 by 20 June 2023, and will effectively serve 4 months in jail.
The magistrate added that “failure to pay the restitution at the prescribed time means the two will spend 11 months in prison”.
The two were represented by Albert Mhaka of Mhaka and Attorneys and Esau Mandipa of Mutatu and Mandipa Legal Practitioners.
Fredrick Matsheza stood in for the State.
