MMCZ loses US$110 000

allegations of fraud and money laundering involving more than US$110 000.
Nine vehicles, a Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi Chariot, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Lexus, Nissan Bassara, Mazda 3, Toyota Mark ll and a Mazda Eagle believed to have been bought from the proceeds of the crime were impounded on Tuesday.
Police want to use the vehicles as exhibits.
Those arrested are MMCZ diamond dealer Aaron Mubaiwa, his wife Lydia Zingwe who is the director of FreeLife Investments Pvt Ltd, MMCZ sales executive Patrick Marufu and acting marketing manager Ezekiel Mafara.
The four appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday and were remanded in custody to today pending their bail hearing and application for the release of the vehicles.
National police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri yesterday confirmed the arrests and said investigations were still in progress.
“Mubaiwa is being charged for money laundering, fraud, criminal abuse of duty as a public officer while his wife Lydia Zingwe is facing a fraud charge.
“The other two, Marufu and Mafara are all facing charges of money laundering,” he said.
Supt Phiri said sometime this year, Mubaiwa misrepresented to MMCZ management that he had inspected FreeLife Investments premises and proposed that they were suitable for diamond cutting and polishing.
The company was then issued with a licence to deal with the precious stones.
“From March to April 15 the four conducted deals of various amounts ranging from US$1 170, US$25 244, US$30 869 and US$57 297.
“The accused working in cahoots shared the proceeds of the crime,” Supt Phiri said.
He said Mubaiwa and Zingwe bought household property worth US$10 000, a Mercedes Benz and a Mitsubishi Chariot.
Marufu bought a house in Bluffhill, a Pajero and a Toyota Lexus while Mafara bought a Mazda 3, Toyota Mark 11 and a Mazda Eagle.
“All these vehicles are being held by the State as exhibits,” Supt Phiri said.
In December last year, four MMCZ executives were arrested on corruption-related charges involving US$260 000.
Masimba Chandavengerwa, acting general manager, Onismo Mazai Moyo, suspended general manager, Priscah Mupfumira, board chairperson and Simangaliso Makoni, marketing executive were arrested by Criminal Investigations Department’s Serious Frauds Squad detectives.
Moyo faced fraud and criminal abuse of duty charges, while Mupfumira was also accused of criminal abuse of office and corruption.
In March this year, the MMCZ dropped charges against Moyo who was to step down.