Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
A 54-YEAR-OLD man who is accused of diverting about US$16 200 to his personal use after selling four cars on behalf of a pastor has appeared in court.
Binary Mkandla appeared for trial before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere and pleaded not guilty to all four counts of theft of trust property.
He is represented by his lawyer, Mr Tatenda Razemba. In defence of Mr Mkandla, Mr Razemba argued: “The complainant Alphonsus Achinulo (59) refused to collect the said balance after vehicle prices went up in the market.
He failed to appreciate that the vehicle in question had already been sold for US$7 000.”
Mr Razemba further argued: “For the second car, the complainant was supposed to receive US$7 500. The accused person never failed to account, or incorrectly accounted for the money for all the vehicles he sold as alleged by the State.”
Principal prosecutor, Mr Milton Moyo, told the court that in July last year, the accused person received a Toyota Aqua from the complainant (Achinulo) who is a pastor at a local church and was supposed to sell it for US$10 500.
“The accused person sold the Toyota Aqua, registration number 0663, to Soneni Tshuma for US$7 500 and gave $4 500 to the complainant. This means he stole US$6 000,” said Mr Moyo.
In July 2025, the accused person also received a Honda Fit, which he was supposed to sell for US$10 500.
“The accused person sold the Honda Fit for US$9 000 and gave the complainant $4 500. He stole US$4.500. Also in July last year, the accused received a Nissan Note, which he was supposed to sell for US$9 000. He sold the car for US$8 000 and gave the complainant US$4 500. He diverted US$3 500 to his personal use,” said Mr Moyo.
The court heard that in July last year, the accused received another Toyota Aqua, which he was supposed to sell for US$10 500. He sold the car for US$6 700 and gave the complainant US$4 500. He diverted US$2 200 to his personal use.
The complainant tried to engage the accused, but his efforts were fruitless, forcing him to report the matter to the police. Detectives from the Commercial Crimes Division (CCD) launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the accused.
