Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
Harare regional magistrate, Mr Taurai Manuwere on Friday ruled that Dennis Madondo, a 33-year-old man from Murehwa, has a case to answer in his ongoing money laundering trial.
The magistrate dismissed Madondo’s application for discharge, stating that the defence’s argument that the State lacked evidence was unconvincing.
Madondo, who was previously acquitted in a high-profile US$2,7 million armed robbery case involving ZB Bank in 2021, now faces allegations of using illicit funds to buy a luxury vehicle and for possession of substantial amounts of unexplained cash.
Magistrate Manuwere said Madondo must present his defence and explain how he accumulated his wealth. The trial is set to resume today.
During the previous hearing, Detective Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Maruziva testified that Madondo had claimed to have amassed US$62 500 between 2013 and January 2021 through various income streams.
However, the officer pointed out that Madondo failed to provide any documentation to substantiate his claims.
The detective also refuted Madondo’s assertion that he purchased a silver Mercedes-Benz E320 before the ZB Bank armed robbery.
According to police records, the vehicle was bought in 2021 using proceeds suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
Prosecutor Mr Ngoni Kaseke alleged that between January 5 and January 13, 2021, Madondo purchased the Mercedes-Benz for US$9 000 and was found in possession of US$62 500 in cash.
Authorities argue that Madondo either knew or should have reasonably suspected that the funds were connected to unlawful activities.
