A woman who operates a wines and spirits shop has denied stealing over Sh460,000 from a customer after putting 'mchele' in his drinks in Nairobi's Kasarani area.
Lilian Ekarau Lopetet is alleged to have stolen a total of Sh464,083 from Peter Muchangi between August 24 and August 26 while in the company of others not before the court.
Lopetet is also said to have withdrawn Sh32,000 from Muchangi's Equity Bank account using his Visa Card and, thereafter, purchased goods worth Sh432,000. She was also charged with stealing Muchangi's mobile phone worth Sh15,000.
Muchangi, a long-time, customer, took drinks at the shop before telling the accused he was going to withdraw money from the bank.
Moments later, he handed her Sh5,000 but Topetet claimed it was not enough and he decided to go back to the ATM for more money but she offered to accompany him.
Muchangi withdrew another Sh5,000 and they headed back to the shop to continue drinking.
Again, he realised he didn't have enough money for the bill, and Lopetet allegedly asked to accompany him to the ATM. She then allegedly offered to spend the night at his house but told him to continue drinking and wait for her to close. However, before they left, she allegedly took his phone, stating he had a pending bill. On they way home, Lopetet mysteriously disappeared.
Muchangi proceeded home but the following day, he realised his phone and valuables were missing. He went back to the wines and spirits shop and found it closed. On contacting Lopetet, she promised to see him later but did not turn up, forcing him to report to the police.
Makadara Chief Magistrate Francis Kyambia released her on a bond of Sh300,000 pending a hearing of the case on February 2 next year.
