Staff Writer
There was uproar in Kadoma after a fuel attendant who detonated a cash safe with explosives to conceal evidence and stole over US$8 000 from a local businessman is set to perform community service.
Prosecuting Gracious Chaminuka said Takesure Josi was charged with theft and contravening section 3 of the Explosives Act and Purchasing without a permit.
Ms Chaminuka said the explosives were used to detonate a cash safe and partially damage some building structures at Marcsherp Complex before stealing US$8 000.
US$1 500 was recovered.
Josi is said to have used explosives which detonated the cash safe and destroyed part of the building.
He tried to destroy evidence by attempting to raze down the business complex after having stolen the money.
A 20-litre container with petrol was found in the building, indicating the fuel attendant’s intention to blow up the property.
People working at Marcshep premises were also injured when the explosives damaged the property situated along Harare-Bulawayo Highway.
Josi pleaded guilty to the charge and Kadoma Magistrate Ranga Rwizi handed a 30 month jail term to which it was however, commutted to 495 hours of community service.
In her ruling Magistrate Rwizi said eight months will be suspended if he restitutes US$7 570 to his employer while another five will be suspended on condition he doesn’t commit a similar offence within five years.
She further said 17 months will be suspended if he completes 495 hours of community service at Shurugwi Magistrates Court.
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