adminLeeroy Waguta (25) is facing charges of swindling Mwaruwari of R100 000 and US$5 000 cash. He was out of police custody on US$100 bail and part of his bail conditions ordered him not to interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.
However, Harare magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera forfeited Waguta’s bail to the State on Monday after the footballer convinced the court that his manager reportedly threatened him with unspecified action.
Mwaruwari testified on how Waguta, a friend of more than 11 years, threatened him.
He said he received phone calls from private numbers when he was in Nigeria.
He said Waguta threatened to go to newspapers and divulge information about his personal life that would tarnish his image.
In the testimony Benjani also said he initiated his arrest because he was also afraid Waguta would reveal more information to the media about his personal life that would taint his image.
The State alleges that sometime in November last year, Waguta approached Mwaruwari’s friend, Patrick Muteswa well knowing he owed Mwaruwari some money.
He reportedly lied to Muteswa that he had been sent by Mwaruwari to collect US$5 000 from him.
As a result Muteswa gave Waguta the money, which he then converted to his personal use, the court heard.
In the same month, Waguta who was in Harare reportedly sent an electronic mail to Mwaruwari’s lawyer in South Africa pretending to be the football star.
In the email he allegedly instructed the lawyer to initiate a transfer of R100 000 into his account. It is further alleged that the lawyer without suspicion transferred the money into Waguta’s account.
The matter came to light when the legal representative audited the funds and verified with Mwaruwari about the transfer.
Mwaruwari filed a police report, which led to Waguta’s arrest.
Online Reporter