Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
TWO Grain Marketing Board (GMB) managers in Bulawayo are facing serious allegations of diverting ZWG2 million (approximately US$100 000) from the company into their personal accounts.
Nyarai Mutasa (48) of Mahatshula suburb and Sam Matebeya (60) of Burnside suburb appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboea yesterday, charged with theft. The pair were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody until 18 November, when their trial is scheduled to begin.
Mutasa is being represented by Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers, while Matebeya is represented by Prince Butshe of Butshe and Associates.
Prosecutor Mr Daniel Sithole told the court that at the time of the alleged offence, Mutasa was serving as GMB’s regional assistant accountant for the Southern Region, while Matebeya held the position of Bulawayo GMB depot manager.
The two are alleged to have conspired with Mthandazo Gumede, a GMB clerk who is on the run, to create a counterfeit receipt book.
Between January 2020 and March 2025, GMB had entered into contracts with various transport companies to deliver maize to depots across the country. The court heard that Mutasa and Matebeya allegedly authorised payments from GMB’s CBZ bank account into Mutasa’s personal account, rather than paying the contracted transporters.
“They used the counterfeit receipt book to record fake payments purportedly made to maize transporters,” said Mr Sithole.
It is further alleged that the accused accessed CBZ Online Banking and appended their signatures to approve transfers from GMB’s account to Mutasa’s CBZ Smart Cash account. The funds were then reportedly shared among the three conspirators.
An internal audit eventually uncovered the irregularities, prompting a full investigation that led to the arrest of Mutasa and Matebeya.
The total amount allegedly diverted stands at ZWG2 060 103.
