High Stakes, High Loss: Pharmacy Driver Gambles Away Over US$3,700 on Aviator
Mhepo News Reporter | Mhepo - Breaking News Zimbabwe
In a shocking breach of trust, a 23-year-old driver for Trinity Pharmacy, Edwin Ziko, has admitted to stealing over US$3,753 in company funds and losing it all on the popular online betting game, Aviator. The case highlights the devastating impact of gambling addiction, as Ziko told the court he had hoped to "multiply" the money, not steal it.
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| From Delivery Van to Downfall: Pharmacy Driver Loses US$3,700 on Aviator |
How the Funds Were Lost
Edwin Ziko's role as a driver included the collection and delivery of daily cash earnings from various Trinity Pharmacy branches to the head office. On November 5, this position of trust was broken. Ziko first collected envelopes containing US$1,400 and ZiG 400 from the Karigamombe branch in Harare's CBD. Instead of delivering the funds, he gambled them away.
Later the same day, Ziko proceeded to the Chiremba Road branch in Hillside, where he was entrusted with five more envelopes containing a total of US$2,353. Compounding his initial theft, he once again diverted the entire amount to fund his betting activities on Aviator. To date, none of the stolen US$3,753 has been recovered.
The Aftermath and Confession
The misappropriation came to light when the head office realized the daily collections had not arrived. Fidelis Chiwada, the Human Resources and Administration Officer for Trinity Pharmacy, confirmed that Ziko's failure to account for the money triggered a formal internal investigation, which quickly uncovered the theft.
Appearing before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe, Ziko pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of trust property. He expressed remorse for his actions, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a problem gambler. He explained to the court that his intention was not simply to steal, but that he had tragically hoped to "multiply" the money through betting and then return the original amount.
Public Reaction
The story has garnered significant attention on social media, with reactions ranging from shock at the audacity of the crime to a degree of sympathy for a young man caught in the grips of a gambling addiction. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the prevalence of online betting, particularly Aviator, and its destructive potential.
Mhepo Commentary: A Modern Vice
The case of Edwin Ziko is more than just a crime story; it is a stark reflection of a growing societal issue. The allure of instant wealth, amplified by the accessibility of online betting platforms like Aviator, creates a high-risk environment where desperation can lead to devastating decisions. While personal responsibility is paramount, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the addictive nature of gambling and the urgent need for greater awareness and support systems. When individuals feel that their only hope for financial advancement is a bet against impossible odds, it points to deeper economic and social pressures that cannot be ignored. This is not just one man's failure, but a symptom of a system where the dream of a "quick win" can overshadow the reality of a slow, certain loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edwin Ziko is a 23-year-old former driver for Trinity Pharmacy who pleaded guilty to stealing company funds.
He stole a total of US$3,753 and ZiG 400 from two different pharmacy branches on the same day.
He gambled all of the stolen money away on the online betting game Aviator, also known locally as "kandege."
In court, Ziko claimed that his intention was not to steal but to use the company's money to gamble and "multiply" it, with the hope of returning the original amount.
David (Solar Sales)