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Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
THE trial of suspected fraudster Michael Smith, who allegedly defrauded MA Auto Suppliers, trading as Mr Cruiser, of at least US$38 000 and R124 000, has resumed, with more witnesses, including cyber experts, called to testify.
Smith is facing two counts of theft of trust property, 12 counts of fraud, and 25 counts of corruptly concealing transactions from his principal, represented by Mr Michael Scott Asher.
The trial is being heard by Harare magistrate Mrs Ethel Chichera.
Prosecutor, Mr Anesu Chirenje, led evidence from two forensic examiners, Martin Urayayi and Ms Samukeliso Ndlovu, who provided critical testimony.
The cyber experts explained how they extracted incriminating evidence against Smith. They testified that they retrieved audios and WhatsApp chats between Smith and individuals he allegedly conspired with to commit the offences.
The State submitted two forensic laboratory reports, along with flash drives containing attachments.
These submissions were made without objections from the defence counsel.
During cross-examination, however, the defence lawyer questioned whether the same information could be independently accessed and verified if retrieved directly from Smith and they responded in the affirmative.
The State also presented statements from witnesses Ashley Kruger, James Harrup, and Louisa Horsley, which were submitted as agreed facts.
Tony Blanchard, a former stores manager at MA Auto Suppliers, was called to the witness stand.
He testified to several incidents where Smith allegedly misrepresented company purchases as his personal orders.
On 29 June 2021 he said the company purchased two cargo or fridge slides from Front Runner. Upon delivery, Smith instructed Blanchard not to record the items in the company system, claiming they were a personal order.
Blanchard complied and endorsed the invoice with Smith’s instructions.
Then on 17 March 2022, the company bought canvas ripstop material from South Africa.
Again, Smith instructed Blanchard not to receive or record the items in the system, stating they were for personal use.
On 31 March 2021 the company purchased parts for a roof rack, including several components such as roof load bars, load bed legs, and conversion kits from Front Runner Racks 2000 (Pvt) Ltd.
Smith claimed these items were personal orders and ensured they were not entered into the company system.
Blanchard testified that in all these instances, Smith would immediately take possession of the items and ensure they were delivered to the respective customers.
The transactions would then bypass the company’s system, as Smith had categorised them as private sales or personal orders. The court was told that similar incidents occurred multiple times.
According to the State, Smith’s actions ensured that these transactions were excluded from the company’s records, allowing him to misappropriate the funds for personal gain.
The trial continues tomorrow.
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