Wenslus Murape
Zvikomborero Parafini
A DEAL to import a car using a civil servant‘s rebate backfired for an engineering firm after they were duped of US$15,000.
Sakura Vuta Dewatering Private Limited, represented by its director Phillip Vuta, was allegedly duped by Tatenda Mikishoni who is employed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as a Human Resources Officer for Chikomba District in Chivhu.
Allegations are that in April, Vuta wanted to
purchase and import a motor vehicle from Be Forward Japan to Zimbabwe.
He then engaged the services of Mikishoni, who had previously assisted them in the importation of motor vehicles.
On April 29, Vuta gave Mikishoni cash US$10,000 as a deposit for the purchase of a Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ double cab 2020 model.
Mikishoni received the US$10,000 and deposited it into his Eco Bank account.
The next day, Vuta paid US$5,797 as a top-up for the purchase of the car through their lawyers, Rufu and Makoni Legal Practitioners.
Upon payment of a total of US$15,797, Mikishoni acknowledged receipt of the money, which he signed for.
After this payment, Mikishoni was supposed to have paid or transferred US$15,190 into Be Forward’s account as the purchase price, as per the invoice.
However, he only deposited US$4,588 and converted the balance of US$10,602 to his personal use and nothing was recovered.
Online Reporter