Crimes and Courts
HARARE – A 23-year-old caregiver and his 31-year-old girlfriend appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on Saturday facing charges of unlawful entry under aggravated circumstances after allegedly stealing US$75,000 from his employer’s office and embarking on a lavish spending spree.
Matthew Limbani Ndovi and Loice Taruvinga, represented by lawyer Tafadzwa Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys, had their matter remanded to September 8, 2025, for bail application.
According to state prosecutors, the elaborate theft began in July 2025 when Ndovi, taking advantage of his employer’s trust, allegedly attempted to access cash from her office after she left him to assist clients viewing her house.
“Ndovi ran to her office hoping to find cash but his attempt was in vain after he saw a functional CCTV system,” stated court documents.
The suspect then allegedly went to the kitchen and shut off the main power to disable the security system before searching the office unsuccessfully.
The state alleges that on August 3, 2025, while the complainant was away paying her husband’s medical bills, Ndovi used a spare key left on a bedroom door to enter the office again.
“Ndovi allegedly ransacked the office and found a cardboard box in a cupboard containing US$75,000,” prosecutors revealed.
In an attempt to conceal the crime, Ndovi reportedly burned a small portion of the box to make the theft appear to be a fire-related accident before fleeing with the money.
The theft was discovered on August 29, 2025, when the homeowner returned to retrieve cash for her bills and found the empty, burnt box. Following a police report, detectives from ZRP Highlands arrested Ndovi at his workplace.
During interrogation,
“He confessed to stealing US$75,000 and giving it to his girlfriend Taruvinga for safekeeping,” according to court records.
The couple then allegedly went on an extensive spending spree before Taruvinga gave the remaining cash to her friend Sarah Muhiwa.
Police investigations have so far recovered US$15,000 from Muhiwa, US$1,600 that Ndovi had sent to his sister in the United Kingdom, and a white Toyota Wish vehicle he had purchased and repaired for US$6,000 in Glen Norah.
The case highlights growing concerns about crimes of opportunity involving domestic workers and caregivers who exploit their positions of trust to access valuable assets.
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