adminMidlands Correspondent
Gweru provincial magistrate, Pathekile Msipa last week revoked bail on former Vungu Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Wellington Ngulube, who is facing charges of criminal abuse of office, theft and fraud.
Msipa is arguing that evidence presented to the court by six witnesses who have so far testified have proved a prima facie case against Ngulube.
She said the former CEO could be tempted to flee given the gravity of the charges he is facing.
Ngulube who was out on $200 bail, was remanded in custody to February 11 when the last witness, an auditor, is expected to testify.
He is facing nine counts.
Ngulube who is represented by Chipo Dube of Chitere Chidawanyika and Partners is denying all the charges.
Prosecuting, Andrew Marimo told the court that between January 2012 and June 2013, Ngulube, who was the CEO for Vungu Rural District Council committed a number of crimes that included theft, fraud and criminal abuse of office.
In May 2012, Marimo said Ngulube allegedly sold a council vehicle, a Nissan Hard Body without approval by a full council meeting to Costa Moyo at a price of $8,000.
Marimo said Ngulube took advantage of his position as the Chief executive Officer and allegedly converted the money from the sale of the vehicle to his own use.
Marimo said on several occasions between January and June 2013, Ngulube took council funds on the pretext that he wanted to pay council lawyers, Danziger and Partners their legal fees but would convert the money to his own use.
The money that Ngulube allegedly fleeced council in the name of legal fees was $3,200 and nothing was recovered, the court heard
In May 2012, Ngulube took $1,800 from the council coffers saying he wanted to fly to Nigeria on council business.
Marimo said Ngulube took the money on a Friday but was back at work on a Monday.
Ngulube, the court was told, would also sell some council residential and commercial stands and convert the money to his own use.
The council was allegedly prejudiced of about $15,000.
Online Reporter