National Foods driver in fraud storm over US$352 205 rice

Paidamoyo Bore

A NATIONAL Foods driver appeared in court yesterday for allegedly defrauding the company of about $352 205.

Charles Makohliso, 51, pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi, who remanded him out of custody to April 20.

The State said on December 10, Makohliso was tasked to deliver 1000kgs of rice to Norich Sales Bindura.

It is alleged that when he arrived at Norich Sales, 17x10kgs, 2x10x2 kgs and 13x10x2 kgs of Better Buy rice were said to be breakages, and could not be accepted.

The court heard that Norich Sales completed a return claim form and gave Makohliso an invoice for him to take the rice back to National Foods for a refund.

Instead of delivering the rice to National Foods, it is alleged Makohliso connived with Ngonidzashe Saymore Mafumhe, who is already on remand, to steal from the company.

The matter came to light when National Foods claimed an outstanding credit from Norich Sales.

After a thorough investigation, National Foods found out that the credit was from the rice, which was classified as breakages.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Makohliso’s arrest.

Zebedia Bofu appeared for the State.