National Foods Staff in ZWL 2.1 Million Theft Scan...

National Foods Staff in ZWL 2.1 Million Theft Scandal

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 50-year-old driver employed by National Foods has been accused of stealing groceries valued at ZWL$2,133,487, allegedly in connivance with a stores clerk.

Mirika Mudyiwa appeared in court charged with theft of trust property after allegedly diverting company goods for personal gain. She was not in custody during her initial appearance and was advised to return to court on August 25, 2025.

The complainant is National Foods Private Limited, represented by its loss control officer, Mr. Bhoki Nyambo.

According to the State, represented by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, Mudyiwa was responsible for delivering groceries from National Foods’ Aspindale depot in Harare to various clients across the country.

On January 10, 2023, Mudyiwa, together with Saymore Ngonidzadzashe—a stores clerk at the company—allegedly conspired to steal a consignment of rice.

She had been assigned to deliver 10 tonnes of rice to the N. Richards Hatcliffe branch in Harare, driving a white 15-tonne Benz truck, registration number AEU 3955.

After delivery, several items were returned to National Foods as breakages, including:

1 x 5kg Better Buy Rice
50 x 10 x 2kg Better Buy Rice
83 x 10 x 2kg Mahatma Rice

Instead of returning the items as required, the two allegedly converted them to their own use.

The offence came to light after N. Richards followed up on the returned goods, which had already been paid for and were expected to be replaced. Investigations revealed that the goods had been misappropriated.

The stolen rice is valued at ZWL$2,133,487.60. None of the items were recovered.