Netone Employees Steal $566 Million Airtime
NetOne Cellular, a mobile network operator, has lost over $566 million in airtime to staff who have been conniving with some airtime dealers since last month.
Police have subsequently detained four people in connection with the crime.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Primrose Maireti (32), James Mwanza (35), Kumbulani Nyapfumbi (30), and Simbarashe Mandimutsira (27) for allegedly stealing pin-less credit airtime from NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited and then sell it at a higher discount than the company to dealers.
“Police detectives teamed up with NetOne Loss Control and Fraud Management Unit to track the suspects leading to the arrest of James Mwanza. Checks made confirmed that James Mwanza received $50 000 000 worth of pin-less airtime from the deal. He implicated Primrose Maireti and others,” he said.
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Police have determined that a total of $565 999 964.00 in airtime was taken between December 3, 2022 and January 19, 2023.
Employees of NetOne were splitting the loot with the airtime dealers.
Police have since recovered a Honda Fit motor vehicle with the registration number AFW 6813 from Kumbulani Nyapfumbi, which was purchased using plunder profits.
“Investigations have also revealed that he bought a residential stand for US$11 000 and another Honda Fit vehicle chassis number GE6-1744428 for US$3 971. The vehicle is on its way from Japan. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that company employees and their accomplices face the full wrath of the law for fraudulent activities,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
