US$3,700 Gone in Aviator Bet, Harare Driver in Court Over Missing Pharmacy Funds
A Harare delivery driver employed by Trinity Pharmacy is facing theft charges after allegedly gambling away more than US$3,700 in company funds on Aviator — the high-risk online game known locally as kandege.
The trouble began on November 5, when the driver collected four envelopes containing US$1,400 and ZiG400 from Trinity Pharmacy’s Karigamombe branch.
Although he signed the cash-up receipt book, the money never reached head office.
By midday, finance manager Hama noticed the funds had not arrived and contacted the branch, confirming that the driver had taken the cash.
Internal checks revealed that the money had already been staked on Aviator.
Instead of reporting the missing funds, the driver continued his route and delivered medical supplies to the Hillside branch.
While there, he falsely claimed that head office had instructed him to collect cash.
Staff handed him five sealed envelopes totaling US$2,353.
Just like before, the money vanished — allegedly lost to another round of betting on Aviator.
None of the funds were recovered.
With both cash collections unaccounted for, Trinity Pharmacy launched a formal investigation.
When the driver failed to explain what had happened, the company reported the matter to the police.
He was arrested and brought before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe, facing two counts of theft of trust property.
In court, the driver pleaded guilty and told the magistrate, “I did not mean to steal. I thought I could multiply the money and return it.”
Trinity Pharmacy’s human resources officer, Fidelis Chiwada, represented the company during the proceedings.
The case has since sparked widespread reaction online.
Social media users mocked the accused, with some dubbing him “Air Ziko Airlines — No refunds. Only turbulence.”
Others expressed concern over the growing trend of employees misusing company funds on online gambling platforms.
The driver is expected back in court on Monday for sentencing.
