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Richard Manlan’u (in handcuffs) who stole money from Gokwe Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter—
The driver of Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena, who stole and hid $40 000 cash and a mobile phone belonging to the MP in the toilet at Fidelity Life Tower, was yesterday jailed for four years. Richard Manlan’u (35) stashed the money in the ceiling. He made indications to the police on how he committed the offence and the police recovered $32 700 from the ceiling. Manlan’u yesterday appeared before magistrate Mr Tafadzwa Muvhami for trial commencement and he did not waste the court’s time and pleaded guilty.

Mr Muvhami sentenced him to four years in jail before setting aside one year on condition of good behaviour.

Another year was suspended on condition Manlan’u restitutes $7 300 to Cde Wadyajena.

Manlan’u pleaded for the court’s leniency in mitigation saying he needed money for his child’s medication.

However, in aggravation prosecutor Ms Sikhangele Mahlamvana with the assistance of Ms Constance Ngombengombe, advised the court that only a custodial sentence would meet the justice of the offence.

Ms Mahlamvana said Manlan’u’s moral blameworthiness was high.

“Your Worship the accused committed the offence out of greed not need considering that he was gainfully employed by the complainant.

“He said he wanted $1 000 for his child’s medication, but he stole quite a substantial amount. He started from the deep end hence he should be jailed so as to deter would-be offenders,” she said.

On February 9, Cde Wadyajena intended to travel to South Africa on a business trip and he called Manlan’u and told him that he would pick him in town the following day around 6 am.

He wanted Manlan’u to take him to the airport and come back with the vehicle.

The following day Wadyajena picked Manlan’u at the intersection of Enterprise and Robert Mugabe Roads and they drove to the airport.

When they arrived at the Harare International Airport, Cde Wadyajena gave Manlan’u the car and instructed him to go and park it in the basement at Fidelity Life Tower.

As per instructions, Manlan’u took the car to Fidelity Life Tower and parked it.

He later returned to the car and broke the driver’s door handle and managed to open the door.

He forced open the glove compartment and stole $40 000 cash, a mobile phone — an iPhone 5S and office keys.