adminTendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
A Harare man who was arrested last week for allegedly defrauding a city businesswoman of more than US$900 000 has been granted US$1 000 bail. Future Chirango Muvirimi (48), owner of Downtown Petroleum (Pvt) Ltd, was on the run since 2011. He was arrested in Harare on January 31 this year.
Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo granted Muvirimi US$1000 bail, ordered him to surrender his passport and to report to police (Serious Frauds Squad) three times a week and to reside at his given address.
Prosecutor Miss Sikhangele Mahlamvana had opposed bail arguing Muvirimi was a flight risk. “The accused has strong ties in South Africa where he is suspected to be a permanent resident. Ever since 2011 he has been evading arrest and has been on the police wanted list. Your Worship, if granted bail the accused is likely to abscond trial,” she said.
Muvirimi, through his lawyer Mr Charles Chinyama, argued that he was a suitable candidate for bail. He further said the matter before the courts was civil and not criminal.
Muvirimi allegedly misrepresented to the directors of Broad Fuels (Pvt) Ltd that one of his companies, ADDX Trading 528 (Pvt) Ltd, was a registered agent for a South African fuel company SASOL and could supply them with fuel.
He was given US$988 104 by one of the directors, Mrs Pedzisai Garwe.
Online Reporter