Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A MUTARE car dealer allegedly pocketed more than US$234,000 allegedly entrusted to him by four clients to import vehicles and other equipment from South Africa.
Peter Kelvine Valentine (33), a director of Young Automotive (Pvt) Ltd, appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa facing four counts of theft of trust property.
Lawrence Gangarahwe prosecuted.
The State alleges that between January last year and June this year, Valentine received a combined US$234,314 from four clients after allegedly undertaking to import various vehicles, machinery and tyres on their behalf.
In the first count, Valentine allegedly received US$132,500 from a Mutare man who wanted to purchase several vehicles, including a Toyota D4D double cab, Land Rover Discovery, Isuzu, Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab, a tractor and a lorry.
It is alleged Valentine represented that he could import the vehicles from South Africa but, after receiving the money, allegedly converted it to his own use and became evasive.
The matter was reported to police on June 30.
In another count, Valentine allegedly received US$40,030 from a client who wanted to purchase a vehicle.
The State alleges the client later discovered that a vehicle, which Valentine claimed was ready for collection at Plumtree Border Post, belonged to someone else.
He allegedly became evasive and failed to deliver the vehicle, prompting the client to report the matter to the police on July 1.
Another client allegedly approached Valentine in December last year seeking assistance to import a Toyota Hilux D-Max single cab.
The State alleges the client paid US$14,000 towards the purchase before later making a further US$6,000 payment.
Valentine allegedly failed to deliver the vehicle as agreed.
In the fourth count, Valentine is accused of receiving US$55,784 from another client between February and March this year for the importation of a Nissan UD80 truck, a Landini 75-horsepower tractor, four tyres for a Toyota Fortuner and a dumper.
The State alleges he failed to deliver the items and converted the money to his own use.
Police allegedly received information on September 19 that Valentine was returning from South Africa and arrested him at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
According to the State, the alleged offences involve a combined US$234,314 and nothing was recovered.
He was remanded in custody to tomorrow for bail application.
