EcoCash cashier dies after US$300 taken from employer lost on betting

A 22-year-old cashier at an EcoCash outlet has died after allegedly swallowing poisonous maize grain tablets following the loss of US$300 he had reportedly diverted from his employer’s agent line for betting.

The incident occurred at Kurima Business Centre on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Kuzivakwashe Gava of Gava Village, under Chief Madyangove in Chivi, who was employed as a cashier at an EcoCash shop.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death.

“Police in Midlands are investigating circumstances surrounding a sudden death case where a 22-year-old man died after consuming a poisonous substance at Kurima Business Centre, Gokwe, on September 19, 2026, at about 10am,” said Insp Mahoko.

Police allege that on the day of the incident, Gava transferred US$300 from his employer’s EcoCash agent line to his personal EcoCash account and used the money for betting and lost the entire amount.

Insp Mahoko said Gava allegedly consumed maize grain tablets after losing the money.

“In pain, he rushed to Kurima Clinic for medical attention, where he died while receiving treatment. Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward,” he said.

He urged members of the public facing overwhelming circumstances to seek counselling and other forms of support rather than taking actions that could endanger their lives.

More: Chronicle