Botched sugar supply deal

Ashley Mujoma

A HARARE man has appeared in court to answer charges of fraud in a botched bulk sugar supply deal worth US$30 000.

Philimon Maruta, 57, appeared before magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, who remanded the matter to October 27.

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje said between April 23 and September 31 last year, the complainant, Faith Dizira Jeke, 42, gave Maruta US$30 000, to buy bulk sugar in South Africa, for resale in Harare.

Jeke also entrusted Maruta with R120 000 for the purchase of a Toyota Fortuner.

The State said Maruta converted the money to his own use.

Jeke demanded her money, when she saw that nothing was being delivered.

But, Maruta kept on giving her empty promises and eventually started ignoring her calls.

She made a report to the police leading to Maruta’s arrest.

Jeke was defrauded of a total amount of US$30 000 and R120 000, and nothing was recovered.