Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
PROMINENT auctioneer and JEFFM Auctions director Jeffrey Mubaiwa has been cleared of allegations that he defrauded mobile network operator NetOne of US$133 204, after the State withdrew the case before plea at the Harare Magistrates Court.
The withdrawal followed NetOne’s formal consent, submitted through an affidavit, prompting Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa to dismiss the matter.
Mubaiwa had been arrested in November 2024 on accusations that he withheld proceeds from the sale of NetOne’s obsolete equipment, furniture and vehicles.
The dispute arose from a contract awarded to JEFFM Auctions in January 2024 after the company won a tender issued in September 2022 for the disposal of outdated assets under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
Under the agreement, Mubaiwa was required to auction the assets and remit all proceeds within 48 hours.
The auction, held on July 13, 2024, generated US$172 204 – US$113 450 from vehicles and US$58 754 from other items.
The State had alleged that Mubaiwa violated the contract by failing to remit the funds in the stipulated timeframe, claiming he only deposited US$39 000 on July 23 and allegedly converted the remaining US$133 204 to personal use.
Those allegations led to his arrest and placement on remand before the charges were ultimately dropped.
