In a bizarre case of retail robbery, two men, Chamunorwa Paul Anesu and Nakai Hodera, were sentenced to five years in prison for producing counterfeit receipts to swindle a complainant out of US$1,232. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) CID spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, said the duo hatched a plan to steal from the complainant on June 15, 2025.

Anesu bought groceries worth US$62.99 and then generated a fake receipt showing a purchase of US$2,962.99. He used this ridiculous receipt to claim and dispatch goods far exceeding the value of the initial purchase, with the help of Hodera, a shop employee.

The scam was uncovered when an alert till operator noticed the discrepancy between the dispatched goods and the actual purchase. She raised the alarm, leading to swift investigations and the arrest of the two men.

Anesu and Hodera were found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of good behavior and restitution. They will serve an effective three-year jail term. The ZRP CID spokesperson praised the till operator’s vigilance, saying it was a great example of how ordinary citizens can help prevent crime.

Don’t try to fake it till you make it, especially when it comes to receipts. The authorities are onto you, and you might end up with a hefty prison sentence. Stick to honest business practices, folks!

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