Former Mr Cruiser director admits using company deal for personal anniversary getaway

Court Correspondent

The trial of Michael Gordon Smith, a former director of MA Auto Suppliers (trading as Mr Cruiser), intensified this week as he faced rigorous cross-examination over a series of allegations, including fraud, theft of trust property and corrupt business dealings.

Smith, accused of prejudicing the company of at least US$38 000 and R124 000, is answering to two counts of theft of trust property, 12 counts of fraud, and 25 counts of corruptly concealing transactions from his principal, businessman Mr Michael Scott Asher.

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje took Smith to task over several charges, including one in which he allegedly sold two company-owned tents to a Mrs Horsley.

Rather than channelling the funds through MA Auto’s accounts, Smith reportedly provided Horsley with the details of his offshore account in the Isle of Man. Horsley subsequently paid £1 285 into his personal account.

Pressed on the witness stand, Smith faltered under questioning, repeatedly contradicting himself.

While initially claiming the transaction involved a staff account, his principal, Mr Asher, had earlier denied the existence of such an account.

Smith eventually conceded that he had not informed Asher about the payment arrangement and admitted that the full amount owed in the deal had yet to be settled.

Crucially, Smith acknowledged that the tents in question were the property of the company at the time they were sold.

Another contentious issue involved an alleged payment to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastracture Development . Smith claimed he had partially paid the amount owed, though he failed to recall the exact figure or provide tangible proof.

When pushed further, he testified that supporting documents were stored on a laptop seized as evidence.

“I am sure the full amount was paid by the company,” Smith asserted, adding that his portion of the payment was sent to the company to avoid multiple transactions.

However, his inability to substantiate the claim deepened skepticism.

Additional allegations probed into Smith’s practices regarding company-owned materials.

Prosecutors accused him of falsely claiming that canvas ripstop material, imported from South Africa by MA Auto, belonged to him.

The material, valued at US$531.32, was allegedly removed from company premises and used to repair a boat Smith personally owned and operated.

Under scrutiny, Smith admitted the canvas had been purchased by the company and was never his property, though he maintained that the material was intended for the company’s benefit as part of boat repairs.

The prosecutor challenged this claim, noting that the company’s arrangement to utilise the boat had ended nine months prior to the transaction.

In another instance, Smith denied fraudulently acquiring two 12-volt smart chargers from One Stop Solar, even though the State alleges that he misrepresented the purchase as necessary for MA Auto while intending to use the items personally.

Meanwhile, he admitted to receiving a four-night anniversary getaway from Milo Harrup, the owner of Robin Pope Safaris, in exchange for mechanical work carried out by MA Auto Suppliers on a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Smith conceded the arrangement and confirmed that no payment was made to the company for the work.

“I used the trip to celebrate my wedding anniversary,” Smith said, acknowledging that the company received no financial benefit from the deal.

The court also examined allegations surrounding suspension work completed by MA Auto on a vehicle belonging to a Mr Sharpe.

Smith’s defence testimony appeared riddled with contradictions. Initially claiming the work was paid for by two different individuals, Smith later insisted he had no involvement in the transaction.

Further probing revealed he had also claimed the suspension work was done under a barter agreement for advertising services.

The prosecutor called out these inconsistencies as irreconcilable. Smith, however, stood firm, maintaining all versions of events were accurate and denying any dishonesty in court.

The matter was adjourned and is set to continue next week.