Mutodi swindler thrown behind bars

began before Harare magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa.
He was however, found guilty of theft of trust property and acquitted of the fraud charge after a full trial.
Mr Tsikwa sentenced Pedzisai to three years in prison but set aside one year on condition of good behaviour for the next five years. Another two years were suspended on condition Pedzisai restitutes the US$315 000 on or before December 31 this year.
“In passing the sentence the court took into account that the accused expressed willingness to restitute the US$315 000 and has US$10 000 in savings,” said Mr Tsikwa.
“Although it looks good for the complainants that he be sent to prison, Chandafira (Pasipamire) and company could fail to pay back the money. A custodial sentence is old fashioned and does not go with the modern day form of sentencing,” Mr Tsikwa said.
Sometime in January 2010 Leopold Takawira Housing Co-operative applied for money to develop residential stands and the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities gave them an offer letter.
After consultations with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, the co-operative did not develop the said residential stands as they were awaiting approval of the plan by the department of physical planning.
In 2011, Pedzisai wanted to buy stands on behalf of his clients before being introduced to Mr Chandafira Pasipamire by one Desire Mutoro.
Pedzisai knew the land belonged to Leopold Takawira Housing Co-operative and got into an agreement for the same piece of land that had a price tag of US$2,52 million. He demanded US$15 000 as deposit and monthly instalments of US$42 000, which was meant for developing the stands that were to be completed in eight months. In total Pedzisai received US$315 000.