Office Orderly Jailed for Fuel Coupon Theft from Minister’s Office.

Mutare, Zimbabwe — A 30-year-old office orderly, Tendai Phil Muchadeyi, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing fuel coupons valued at nearly US$1,000 from the office of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.

Mutare magistrate, Mr. Xavier Chipato, handed down the sentence, with seven months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Muchadeyi, who worked at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, admitted to the theft when he appeared in court.

The Theft and Arrest

According to Prosecutor Ms. Sharon Mlambo, the crime occurred on November 19, when Muchadeyi stole an envelope containing 31 Petrotrade diesel coupons with serial numbers ranging from PU006D1339078 to PU006D13390100. The coupons were meant for official use by drivers within the Minister’s office.

The theft was discovered when administrative officer Ms. Caroline Ndadzungira, who had received a Petrotrade fuel coupon booklet on November 9, noticed the coupons were missing. Muchadeyi had observed her issuing coupons to drivers on November 17, learning where the coupons were stored.

Muchadeyi sold the stolen coupons in Harare before his arrest on December 5. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, leading to the recovery of 22 coupons valued at US$704.10. The total value of the stolen coupons was US$992.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

Mr. Chipato’s ruling included a suspended sentence, allowing Muchadeyi to avoid serving the full term if he maintains good behavior over the next five years. The court emphasized the breach of trust and the need for accountability within government offices.

The case has sparked discussions on the need for stricter internal controls and monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.