Varun Beverages Clerk Turns Himself In After Stealing Over US$8,600 Cash- iHarare News

An accounts clerk at a major beverage company is in custody after allegedly stealing thousands from his employer and then handing himself in. The startling case from Mutare involves a 35-year-old man who, prosecutors say, methodically siphoned company funds for months before his conscience got the better of him.

Justice Muziri, employed at Varun Beverages, reportedly surrendered to both his bosses and the authorities.

Confession Comes After Months Of Alleged Theft

Court proceedings revealed the alleged theft occurred between September and November 2024. Prosecutor Chris Manyuku outlined the case to the Mutare Magistrates Court. He stated Muziri was entrusted with withdrawing petty cash for daily company operations.

According to the prosecution, the funds were designated for specific uses. “The cash was meant for travel expenses, payments to casual workers, and other general operational costs,” Manyuku told the court. Instead, the clerk is accused of diverting the money for his own needs.

The case came to light not through an audit, but through a confession. After the money was gone, Muziri approached company management.

According to Diamond FM, the clerk “confessed the offence to company management and subsequently handed himself over.”

Court Hears Vouchers And Witnesses Will Prove Case

During the bail hearing, the prosecutor detailed the evidence against Muziri. He stated the case was supported by company documentation that the clerk himself had signed.

“Manyuku said the case was supported by cash vouchers, signed by Muziri, showing that he withdrew the money from the accounts office,” reported the Manica Post.

The court heard that these paper trails would be central to the case. The prosecution intends to call the intended recipients of the cash to testify. According to the prosecutor, “the witnesses, who were supposed to receive the funds, will testify that they never obtained the amounts recorded on the vouchers.”

The total amount involved was clarified in court. Prosecutor Manyuku stated the precise figure was US$8,644 (approx. R160,000). He emphasised to the magistrate that none of the money had been recovered.

Clerk Remanded In Custody Ahead Of Trial

Presiding Magistrate Honest Musiyiwa denied Muziri bail following the hearing. The clerk was remanded in custody. His case is set to continue on 12 December 2024.

The decision means Muziri will remain in prison until his next court appearance. The case has drawn attention for the unusual sequence of events, where the accused allegedly turned himself in after the deed was done. The community now awaits the full trial to understand how such a significant sum could be taken over several months and why the clerk eventually turned himself in.