Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
BULAWAYO Chiefs president Lovemore Sibanda pulled no punches in court yesterday as he ripped into former Highlanders CEO Brian Busani Moyo over a US$2 000 fraud scandal rocking local football.
Brian Busani Moyo stands accused of defrauding Highlanders FC alongside former Bulawayo Chiefs administrator Andrew Mandigora, who allegedly pocketed US$3 000 of a US$5 000 deal. Mandigora’s luck ran out after the scheme was uncovered. He was arrested and slapped with a US$400 fine, payable by 31 July, or face four months behind bars. Six months were suspended on condition he stays out of trouble for three years.
In a no-holds-barred testimony, Chiefs president Lovemore Sibanda told the court he was approached by Highlanders FC board chairperson Luke Mkandla about the transfer fees of players Never Rauzhi and Malvern Hativagoni. “I told him we received US$18 000, paid in batches. It was not a bank transfer but handed to our former administrator Andrew Mandigora,” Sibanda said.
But Sibanda said the former Highlanders CEO and Mandigora doctored the receipts to cover their theft. “These receipts are fake and they were doctored by Brian Moyo and former administrator Andrew Mandigora,” he declared.
Pressed on why the receipts were fake, Sibanda shot back: “Do you want me to lie before this honourable court? Our system works like this: what we receipt in the receipt book is also written in the memorandum of understanding. Do you want me to bring the receipt book and memorandum of understanding to show this court as evidence?” The lawyer declined.
Moyo did not hold back. “Why did you choose a fake receipt? Check our original receipt book and the duplicate, you will see a huge difference proving that Brian and Mandigora connived. Mandigora admitted they doctored the receipts and took US$3 000 while Brian took US$2 000.”
Highlanders board chairperson Luke Mkandla, who attended the court session with club treasurer Nkani Khoza, was expected to testify but did not take the stand before the State wrapped up its case.
The final ruling is set for August 28, 2025, and the football community is on edge waiting to see if the trusted administrators really went rogue and served personal interests.
State representation was led by Brenda Moyo.
