Story by Parvel Makona
A RESERVE Bank of Zimbabwe employee has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison after stealing US$1,500 from his employer and gambling away the money.
Pets Napwaro, 48, was convicted of theft after pleading guilty at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
He was initially sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. However, 12 months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while a further 10 months were suspended on condition of restitution.
This leaves Napwaro with an effective custodial sentence of 36 months.
The court heard that on April 25, Napwaro unlawfully entered the office of RBZ Asset Manager, Bernard Chitenje and stole US$1 500 belonging to the central bank.
Although the office was locked, Napwaro gained entry by climbing through a window using a chair.
In his plea, he admitted committing the offence and told the court that he subsequently lost the entire sum through gambling.
He said he spent the stolen money playing the online betting game Aviator, commonly known locally as “Kandege”.
The case highlights growing concerns over gambling addiction and its potential to drive criminal behaviour.
