Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
BULAWAYO magistrate Richard Ramaboea has dismissed an application for discharge by former Highlanders Football Club chief executive officer Brian Busani Moyo, who is accused of defrauding the club of nearly US$2 000.
In a ruling delivered yesterday, the magistrate stated that it would be “scandalous” to acquit Moyo at this stage, compelling the former CEO to stand trial and prove his innocence.
A visibly distressed Moyo was seen in court yesterday, struggling to stand upright and leaning on the dock’s edges as the ruling was handed down.
Moyo was represented by his lawyer, Thamani Ncube of Wallace Law Chambers. In dismissing the application, the magistrate said it would be improper for the court to acquit the accused without credible explanation as to why the receipts held by Highlanders FC show a different amount compared to those and the Memorandum of Understanding in possession of Bulawayo Chiefs.
The magistrate further noted that the three State witnesses — former Bulawayo Chiefs administrator Andrew Mandigora, who is a convicted accomplice, Highlanders FC treasurer Nkani Khoza, and Bulawayo Chiefs president Lovemore Sibanda — gave corroborating statements.
These, he said, support the claim that Moyo conspired with Mandigora to defraud Highlanders and shared the proceeds, with Moyo allegedly pocketing US$2 000.
In rejecting the discharge, Mr Ramaboea also pointed out that Moyo, through his lawyer, refused to allow Mr Sibanda to retrieve the receipts and Memorandum of Understanding to prove to the court that Bulawayo Chiefs had indeed received US$18 000.
Brian Busani Moyo and his lawyer Thamani Ncube
The magistrate ordered the case to proceed to defence on September 3.
The case centres on the transfer of two players from Bulawayo Chiefs FC to Highlanders FC in December 2024 — striker Never Rauzhi and midfielder Malvern Hativagoni.
According to court papers, initial negotiations pegged Rauzhi’s fee at US$25 000 and Hativagoni’s loan fee at US$15 000. Moyo allegedly negotiated the price down, but the first deal collapsed.
After several weeks, former Bulawayo Chiefs administrator Mandigora re-opened discussions, and the clubs agreed on US$13 000 for Rauzhi and US$1 000 for Hativagoni.
In March this year, the Highlanders executive authorised payment, with dual signatures required for withdrawals.
However, Mandigora — who has already pleaded guilty to fraud and been sentenced — told a different story.
He admitted to working with Moyo to inflate the price to Highlanders, claiming the club paid US$23 000, while Bulawayo
Chiefs were informed the deal was worth US$18 000.
The US$5 000 difference was allegedly split, with Mandigora pocketing US$3 000 and Moyo taking US$2 000.
