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Zvikomborero Parafini
CONVICTED businessman, Luka Ignatius, Fabris of Spartan Security, has been ordered to restitute US$480 000 to an investor whom he failed to pay back after a botched deal.
Fabris was convicted after a full trial by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka.
He appeared on his own behalf and on behalf of Spartan Security (Pvt) Limited.
The complainant was Leigh Anne Patricia Rudland. The State, represented by Anesu Chirenje proved that in 2019, Fabris approached Rudland and told her his company was venturing into a cattle ranching business, which was very profitable.
Fabris lured Rudland into investing and promised her that she would get two percent of her total investment every month.
Rudland agreed to invest.
Rudland ordered her lawyers Coghlan, Welsh and Guest to transter some money, from her trust account, into Fabris’ back account.
On March 21 2019, the lawyers transferred ZWL$4 800 000 to Spartan Security’s account. The two agreed that the money was equivalent to US$1 000 000 at the rate of the day.
After Rudland made the investment, she only received US$540 000 and, thereafter, Fabris stopped paying the money and gave numerous excuses until he became evasive. This prompted Rudland to file a police report.
Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka ordered Spartan Security to pay a fine of US$300.
Fabris was ordered to pay a fine of US$300 or spend three months in prison.
He was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, which was wholly suspended, on condition that he restitutes Rudland US$480 000 by July 31.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge