adminAbel Zhakata Senior Reporter
MASVINGO regional magistrate Mr Collet Ncube, who is presiding over the $1 million Capital Base Savings and Co-operative Society fraud case, last week ordered police officers to arrest a frustrated State witness who walked out of the courtroom during cross-examination.
Dorcas Chiripamberi, who alleged that she was defrauded of $2 000 by the co-operative, would have none of defence lawyer Mr Hugo Tanaya’s questions, insisting that she lost a fortune and wanted her money back.
She subsequently got out of the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom.
Following Mr Ncube’s instructions police officers arrested her.
Public prosecutor Mr Mike Tembo later calmed his witness who was weeping uncontrollably. She went back to court and apologised for the misconduct.
The trial resumed.
Another State witness, Zviratidzo Ngwarati, told the court that she lost $3 600. She said she sold her vehicle and deposited the money with the co-operative.
She alleged that she only got interest for between four to five months and never got the $3 600 seed money she deposited.
Hundreds of State witnesses are expected to testify in the landmark trial which is being followed closely by members of the public.
Charges against the co-operative’s chairperson, Solomy Kambunda (34), secretary Kudzai Madziyire (21) and vice-chairperson Karen Emilia Gwanzura (20) are that, with the intention to defraud people, they dubiously registered a society.
“To register the co-operative they submitted a list of names with forged members to the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to legally register their society.
“To lure unsuspecting complainants and in pursuant of their criminal intent, during the period from early 2012 to January 2013, the accused persons advertised through the local Press misrepresenting that they were operating
an investment company offering a lucrative 15 percent interest rate per month for capital invested,” alleges the State.
Unsuspecting complainants then approached the accused persons at their offices in Mutare where they were promised a 15 percent interest rate on money they deposited. The State further alleges that upon receiving the money from the complainants the suspects converted it to their own use.
Using the ill gotten money they purchased properties in Mutare including Number 2, Case Avenue, Murambi.
“Complainants then approached the accused persons intending to redeem their investments, but the accused persons failed to account for the money invested. Investors suffered a total prejudice of $1 103 861,” said Mr Tembo.
The trial continues on October 30, 2014.
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