The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
A PHARMACY technician based at Birchenough Bridge Hospital in Buhera District was last Thursday dragged to Chipinge Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing drugs worth $7 200.
Charles Mhute (49) who resided at Birchenough Bridge in Buhera appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing theft charges as defined in Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9, 23.
Mhute pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody.
In defence, Mhute denied the charge and said he intended to burn the drugs since they had expired.
“Your Worship, I admit that I was arrested with these drugs, but my intention was to burn them since they had expired. It is my duty as a hospital official to burn all expired drugs. I did not see any wrong doings on this matter,” said Mhute.
Prosecuting, Mr Themba Dhliwayo, said during the period extending from November 20, 2014 to February 10, 2016, Mhute stole drugs from the hospital pharmacy.
“The accused person was employed by the hospital as a pharmacy technician whose duties among others was to receive drugs from suppliers, creating stocks cards for the drugs’ accountability and dispatching them to the hospital wards and the out-patients department.
“On the date unknown by the State, but during the period extending from November 20, 2014 to February 2016, Mhute stole drugs from the hospital pharmacy.Mhute unlawfully took 73 drugs which can be produced by the State as exhibits.
“To cover up for the theft, Mhute omitted to create stock cards. Mhute also altered other stocks cards to increase the quantities he issued to wards. Mhute also altered the expiry dates for other drugs on the goods receipt vouchers so that they would appear as destroyed,” he said.
Mr Dhliwayo said on February 10, 2016, Mhute was arrested after he was seen burning some drugs outside the hospital pharmacy by the hospital security guard, Matinetsa Bvirindi.
“A search was conducted at his house, motor vehicles and office leading to the recovery of the bulk of the stolen property which has the same batch number as that of the hospital.
“Accused person was interviewed by detectives and stated that he had taken drugs for destruction since they had expired. It was, however, noted that some of the drugs had not expired. The total value stolen is $7 200 and property valued at $4 477-25 was recovered,” said Mr Dhliwayo.
The matter was adjourned to November 4 for trial.
