A Harare maid and her husband have appeared in court over allegations that they stole US$16,500 from her Chinese employer.
Moline Mutsambiwa, 38, was remanded in custody to September 26 when she appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court.
Her husband, Charles Munyaradzi Dzembe, 42, who sells school ties as a vendor, was also arrested in connection with the case.
The complainant, Cheng Liang, is a Chinese national residing in Harare.
According to the State, Mutsambiwa reported for work at Liang’s four-roomed apartment around midday on September 11.
She allegedly began cleaning while Liang had a satchel containing US$72,300 in cash.
The court heard that Liang left the satchel unattended for about three minutes while he prepared tea.
After approximately an hour, Mutsambiwa allegedly informed Liang that she had completed her duties and was preparing to leave.
When Liang opened the satchel to take out money to pay her, he allegedly discovered that US$16,500 was missing.
The State alleges that Liang immediately contacted the police and locked Mutsambiwa inside the apartment while he went outside to find a woman who could search her.
During his absence, Mutsambiwa allegedly gave the money to a friend identified as Martha for safekeeping.
Martha remains at large.
Police detectives later questioned Mutsambiwa, who allegedly admitted to taking the money and told them that she had given it to Martha.
Investigations subsequently led detectives to her husband, Dzembe.
Dzembe was arrested and allegedly admitted to involvement before handing over US$10,500 to the police.
The State alleges that Liang was prejudiced by US$16,500, with US$10,500 having been recovered so far.