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Zvikomborero Parafini
FORMER Bikita West legislator, Munyaradzi Kereke, has been released on bail along with Everisto Rukasha, his accomplice, after spending the weekend in remand prison.
The two are currently facing charges of fraud.
Harare magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa, said the State had failed to provide adequate grounds to warrant pre-trial detention for the pair.
Magistrate Gofa ordered the pair to pay US$200 bail, and they are not permitted to interfere with witnesses until the matter is concluded.
According to State papers, in early 2014, Kereke and Rukasha, who was CEO of Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HMMAS), agreed to enter into an agreement of sale whereby Kereke allegedly agreed to sell Fortress Hospital in Ruwa to HMMAS for US$800 000.
HMMAS paid the full purchase price.
However, on March 18, last year, Kereke and Rukasha allegedly formulated a plan to defraud HMMAS by demanding US$400 000 despite having been paid in full by the society.
Kereke wrote a letter to HMMAS saying it still owed him US$400 000 from the purchase of Fortress Hospital.
HMMAS paid US$120 000 before the board became suspicious and cancelled payment of the remaining requested funds.
Kereke had received a total of US$137 000 when payment was halted.
Lancelot Mutsokoti prosecuted.
Online Reporter