Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini-Court Reporter
A BEITBRIDGE businessman has appeared in court accused of diverting over ZiG1,5 million entrusted to him to pay excise duty for a luxury bus imported from South Africa.
Farai Ndiripo (39), who is also a director of Aspinwall Investments (Pvt) Ltd, yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai charged with fraud.
He was granted US$200 bail.
Ms Chipo Muvhamba prosecuted.
The State alleges that sometime in July last year, a company engaged Ndiripo to facilitate the customs clearance of a Scania K460 touring bus bought in South Africa.
It is alleged that after the bus was bought, Ndiripo charged US$500 as his service fee and a further ZiG1 528 423,35 to pay import duty.
Prosecutors allege Ndiripo instructed the company to deposit ZiG236 148,58 into a CBZ Bank account and the remaining ZiG1 292 274,77 into another CBZ account belonging to a technology company.
The money was allegedly transferred as instructed.
The court heard that after receiving the funds, Ndiripo allegedly took the bus to Zimra Beitbridge Border Post, claiming he had paid the required customs duty.
The bus was subsequently released into the company’s custody and Ndiripo handed over a release order purportedly issued by Zimra.
However, on November 27 last year, Zimra officials approached the company and said the bus had not been properly cleared upon entry into Zimbabwe.
The company was allegedly ordered to surrender the bus or risk having it seized. It subsequently approached Zimra and arranged a payment plan for the outstanding customs duty.
The alleged offence came to light after the company made inquiries with Zimra and subsequently filed a police report.
The State alleges Ndiripo’s actions resulted in an actual financial prejudice of ZiG1 528 423,35, with nothing recovered.
