Published by the government of Zimbabwe
21 July 2008
Harare — A BANK official and a security guard were yesterday ordered to perform 70 hours of community service apiece for illegally dealing in foreign currency while on duty.
Nhamo Mbengo (27), a security guard who was manning FBC Bank's Nelson Mandela branch, would entice clients who wanted to change foreign currency at the bank with higher rates before diverting them to see Evidence Mazhindu (26), an information technology support officer.
The two pleaded guilty to illegally dealing in foreign currency before Harare magistrate Mr Archie Wochiunga, who instantly sentenced them.
Prosecutor Mr Alois Gakata appeared for the State.
Facts are that on July 10 this year, police received information that Mbengo was diverting foreign currency clients to Mazhindu, who was offering higher rates.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives set a trap in which two of them went to the bank disguised as genuine clients who wanted to exchange US$100 into local currency.
While at the bank, Mbengo referred the detectives to Mazhindu who had higher rates than those offered by the bank.
He left the two at the door and went to Mazhindu before returning with $4 trillion, which was way above what the bank was offering for US$100.
He took his commission of $100 billion before handing over the remaining $3,9 trillion to the two detectives.
Mbengo was arrested after receiving the foreign currency and all the money involved, including the $100 billion commission, was held as exhibit.
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