By A Correspondent

A 28-year-old shift manager at Baker’s Inn, William Gonese, has been convicted of stealing $3,420 from his workplace to fund his online betting habit. Gonese, who resides in Unit M, Seke in Chitungwiza, pleaded guilty to theft before Harare Magistrate Lynne Chinzou.

Gonese explained that his motive for the crime was to win money to impress his new wife.

He had started betting with $350 but ended up spending the entire $3,420. Gonese was entrusted with the float on Saturday, but by Sunday morning, he had confessed to losing the money through online betting on a platform called Aviator.

The court heard that Gonese called the audit manager, Yusufu Bruce, to confess to the crime.

A reconciliation at the shop confirmed that the entire amount had been misappropriated.

Bruce filed a police report, leading to Gonese’s arrest. Sentencing was scheduled for Saturday, January 4.