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Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
The former chief executive of Enhanced Mortgaging and Housing (Pvt), Demitria Zirenga, has appeared in court for allegedly stealing US$260 000, R 270 000, P21 000 and ZW$109 million from the company in 2023.
It is alleged that the theft was exposed by external auditors who were engaged by the company early this year.
Zirenga (52) was charged with theft of trust property and appeared before Harare magistrate, Ms Lisah Mutendereki.
The complainant is Enhanced Mortgaging and Housing (Pvt) Ltd, represented by Mr Afareshe Gambiza who is the risk and loss control manager.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu said sometime in January this year, the company’s chairman Mr Harrison Marange who is also Zirenga’s ex-husband ordered an audit of the company’s financial records after realising that the business was no longer generating any meaningful cash flows.
The company engaged Sahara Chartered Accountants to carry out a forensic audit which revealed the amount that had allegedly been stolen from the company.
Last week, Mr Marange told the court that the money was stolen in 2023 when he was not feeling well.
He also told the court that Zirenga would use his bank PIN to make withdrawals without his consent.
However, Zirenga denied the allegations and said all the money used during her active involvement in the company was authorised by her husband.
She also said the audit does not have attached source documents to support what was discovered.
The matter returns next month for trial continuation.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter