Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
Burnett Motors was yesterday faced fresh fraud and money laundering allegations related to taking money from the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company to supply pick-up trucks but did not deliver them.
The company has previously appeared in court facing similar allegations. In the dealership’s latest brush with the law, the alleged cheated customer is ZCDC, which is 100 percent owned by the Government and falls under the administration of the Mutapa Fund.
Burnett Motors was represented by Pride Mutenda and its director, John Peter Marquis Burnett, appeared in his personal capacity.
Allegations are that in September 2020, Burnett, acting in connivance with Liam Barry Burnett, who is still at large, swindled unsuspecting customers, who intended to buy cars, and registered a company, Burnett Motors Dealership Private Limited.
Burnett was appointed chief executive officer responsible for overseeing the overall management of the company.
The State alleged that on March 24, 2023, ZCDC entered into an agreement for the supply of eight Toyota Hilux single-cab vehicles at a total cost of US$268 000 with Burnett Motors represented by Liam Barry Burnett.
On August 4, 2023, ZCDC transferred US$100 000 from their bank account to Burnett Motors’ account.
The final payment was made on January 5, last year. Burnett Motors promised to deliver the vehicles in four weeks but never did.
They became evasive and moved from their known address. Investigations revealed that Burnett moved the bulk of the funds out of the bank through cash withdrawals and never paid for the vehicles.
According to the State, Burnett Motors never delivered and concealed the funds, thereby disguising the true nature of the proceeds of crime and evading the legal consequences of possible recovery.
ZCDC was prejudiced of US$268 000 and nothing was recovered.
