Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
FORMER Zanu PF youth leader Lewis Matutu and four co-accused will have to answer to fraud charges after Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei yesterday dismissed their application for discharge at the close of the State’s case.
In his ruling, Mr Ndirowei said the State had established a prima facie case, warranting the accused persons to be put to their defence.
Matutu is jointly charged with Blessing Kusangaya, Tafadzwa Kusangaya, Muzimba Muhamba and Chikwasha Muhamba.
The court heard that in 2018, Matutu allegedly connived with the quartet to fraudulently seize control of Shisib Investments, a mining company.
The accused are said to have prepared and backdated annual returns to 2014, 2016 and 2017, which they then filed as returns for April 30, 2018.
The State alleges that they forged the signatures of both the complainant and one Lyton Shumba to make it appear as though the documents were legitimate.
The forged papers were then lodged with the Registrar of Companies, indicating that changes had been made to the company’s shareholding and directorship.
“As a result, the accused persons allotted themselves shares and became majority shareholders,” the prosecution said.
The alleged fraud came to light on September 30, 2024, when the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority informed the complainant that the accused had directed the suspension of mining operations, claiming shareholders had agreed to sell the mining claim.
Using the disputed shareholding, the accused are said to have attended the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 19, 2024, where they removed the complainant from the board of directors and resolved to change the company’s registered address.
According to the State, Shisib Investments suffered actual prejudice of US$150 000, which was not recovered.
