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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
A MIDLANDS State University accountant is on the run after he allegedly stole more than $100,000 paid by students in fees, police said yesterday.

Morris Tapiwa Sigauke, 26, who was employed by the MSU as an accounting assistant, allegedly stole $101,960 between September and October last year.

Sigauke had received the money from the university’s cashiers and instead of depositing it into the institution’s account, he converted it to his own use.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said police had launched a manhunt for the suspect, who disappeared after committing the crime.

“I can confirm that we’re investigating a case of theft by conversion. An accounting assistant at MSU stole money which he had received from cashiers. During the period extending from September 21 to October 5 last year, Sigauke received money from cashiers which he was supposed to deposit into the institution’s account. He, however, didn’t deposit the money as required and converted it to his personal use,” he said.

Insp Goko said the matter only came to light on October 8, 2015, when a preliminary internal audit showed that $101,960 was missing from the institution’s account.

Sigauke failed to account for the money and fled.

“The job description of the suspect entailed supervising cashiers and collecting money that would have been paid at the bursar’s office at MSU. His duty was to deposit the money into the institution’s account. It was noted that Sigauke received cash from the cashiers between September 21 and October 5 but didn’t deposit the money into the school account as required. An investigation was carried out and Sigauke then disappeared,” Insp Goko said.

He said police are investigating the matter and appealed to people who may help them with Sigauke’s whereabouts.

“We’re appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect to report to any nearest police station or call Gweru CID on 054 222016 or call detective Assistant Inspector Munyondori on 0772774233,” said Insp Goko.