Zimpapers Logo

Eunice Mabhena

Tanaka Mrewa, Court Reporter
One of the two maids from Bulawayo who allegedly stole $28 000 from their employer, has been denied bail after pleading not guilty.

Eunice Mabhena (50) through her lawyer Vuyile Mpofu of V. J Mpofu and Associates had applied for $50 bail when she initially appeared in court on Friday last week.

A court heard investigators found Mabhena with $700 while her alleged accomplice Florence Phiri (43) was found with $100.

The State alleges that the serial numbers of the notes found in possession of the two accomplices matched those of the stolen money.

In his bail application Mr Mpofu said his client’s workmate had already pleaded guilty to the offence and had been remanded in custody.

He said there was nothing his client could do to interfere with police investigations that would end up disturbing the case.

Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya dismissed the bail application.

“There is too much money involved in this matter and a greater amount of the recovered amount was found in her possession. The trial date has been set already so the application for bail is hereby dismissed. Accused will await her trial date in custody,” he said.

Prosecuting, Miss Leean Nkomo said on August 2 this year, the maids’ employer, Ms Permian Macheka, sold 52 head of cattle and kept $28 600 in her bedroom.

“On October 19, complainant added $2 400 to her money. On October 24 she realised that $28 000 was missing and she made a report to the police. Phiri was found in possession of $100 and Mabhena had $700 and the serial numbers of the notes tallied with those of the stolen money,” she said.

Phiri testified in court on Friday that she bought her husband a car as a Christmas present before she fled from her boss’ house a day before the money was discovered missing.

“Your Worship I admit to the charge but I only took $5 500. I used $1 800 to buy a car as a Christmas present for my husband. I don’t know who took the rest of the money. May this court please remand me out of custody,” said Phiri.

The magistrate turned down her request and said the amount she had stolen attracted a custodial sentence.

Mr Tashaya remanded Phiri and Mabhena to November 8 for trial.

@tannytkay.