Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A 33-year-old man, previously accused in the high-profile case involving the alleged murder of iconic Bulawayo rapper Cal_Vin, is once again at the centre of controversy, this time facing charges of theft of trust property.
Wilfred Mafuka, now stands accused of misappropriating funds from the sale of a house on behalf of an elderly woman.
He is also implicated in a separate case involving the purchase of a stolen vehicle, a South African-registered Mercedes-Benz C180 valued at US$13 000, from alleged car thief, Brighton Chipunza.
On Monday, Mafuka appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura, facing two counts of theft of trust property.
He was remanded out of custody to 9 May.
Prosecutor, Mr Samuel Mpofu told the court that Mafuka is accused of converting a total of US$13 650 to his personal use, funds that were entrusted to him during a property transaction.
“On March 28, 2024, at Office 703, 7th Floor, LAPF House, along 8th Avenue and Jason Moyo Street in Bulawayo, Mafuka unlawfully and with intent to permanently deprive Mrs Siphiwe Banda, converted US$12 000 that was in his custody to his own use,” said Mr Mpofu.
The court heard that on April 9, 2024, Mafuka allegedly pocketed a further US$1 650 from the same transaction.
According to court records, Mrs Banda was appointed executor of the estate of the late Silibaziso Dube (Estate DRB 1049/24), whose beneficiaries include Sibongile Ndimande and Sithabisiwe Dube.
In March 2024, Mrs Banda decided to sell a house, No. E160, Njube suburb, and approached the Master of the High Court, who referred her to Mafuka for assistance.
Mr Mpofu said Mafuka introduced a buyer and facilitated verification of ownership with Bulawayo City Council, confirming that Mrs Banda was the legitimate executor.
“The parties met on March 28, 2024 at Mafuka’s office, where an agreement of sale was drafted. The buyer paid US$12,000 and agreed to settle the balance shortly thereafter,” said Mr Mpofu.
After receiving the payment, Mafuka allegedly told the complainant to hand over the money to him, claiming he would distribute it fairly among the family members, as he was the facilitator of the deal.
Mafuka is being represented by Mr Byron Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice.
Bongani Ndlovu