Online Reporter
Court Reporter
Businessman Vhurumu Mutero will spend 12 months in jail after he was convicted of converting the US$125 000 he had received from Staffmark Private Limited for the purchase of a truck and various household items for his personal use.
Vhurumu Mutero was found guilty of theft of trust property.
Harare Magistrate, Ms Panavanhu initially sentenced Mutero to 48 months in jail before suspending 12 months on the condition of good behaviour.
Another 24 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the amount to the complainant before August 30, hence 12 months remain effective.
The magistrate ruled that the State managed to prove a prima facie case against the accused.
She said the evidence of the witnesses corroborated that of the complainant.
Ms Panavanhu said Mutero committed a serious offence, hence the custodial sentence.
It was the State’s case that between February and July 2024, Staffmark Private Limited entrusted Mutero with funds to acquire a Toyota single-cab truck and an array of household goods.
The items reportedly included four double-door refrigerators, four 65-inch television sets, a washing machine, four sets of leather sofas, three dining table sets, four deep freezers, seven bed sets, office sofas, outdoor chairs, three tables, and eleven room dividers for offices.
According to the charges, instead of fulfilling his obligations, Mutero allegedly squandered the funds, and nothing was recovered.
Staffmark was represented by Mr Trevor Mwanandimayi.
