TWO Harare businessmen Wicknell Chivayo and Genius
“Ginimbi” Kadungure, who are facing two counts of conning Zanu PF Chegutu West
MP Dexter Nduna and another miner of R1 581 890 in a botched mining equipment
supply deal, denied the allegations when they appeared in court yesterday.
Kadungure and Chivayo told the court that they have had no
communication or business dealings with the complainants.
Kadungure’s lawyer Jonathan Samukange said his client was a
victim of the fraud and he had already paid one of the complainants, Evon
Gatawa, off to avoid his name being dragged in the mud.
He said he did not know Gatawa and had never talked to him
before the case and was surprised to be arrested for an offence he knew nothing
about.
On count one, the State alleges that on December 4, 2013,
Gatawa sent his brother, Enock, to South Africa to purchase pumps from Transco
Civil Engineering, which is allegedly owned by Kadungure and Chivayo and holds
an account with Absa Bank. He was asked to deposit R1 046 890 for the purchase
of 10 flight pumps into the Absa account.
After the transfer, Enock was told by Transco Civil
Engineering that they would send the pumps via DHL in three days’ time.
On December 12, Gatawa went to DHL airport branch to
collect the pumps and was shocked to receive a parcel of mobile phone chargers.
That is when he realised that he had been duped, the court heard.
On the second count, Kadungure allegedly swindled Nduna’s
construction firm, Badon Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, of R500 000, also in November
2012.
The State alleges Kadungure referred Nduna to his bogus
company on the pretext that it was a recommended supplier.
Gatawa testified that he had reported the matter to the
police, but approached Kadungure for settlement because the case was taking
“too long”.
They agreed on a restitution of $100 000 and Kadungure had
already paid $50 000 but was delaying settling the balance.
He later revised the figure to $88 000 under cross
examination by Samukange.
However, Gatawa told the court that he did not have any
evidence linking Chivayo to the case.
He only discovered that Chivayo was on the charge sheet on
the day he went to withdraw the matter against Kadungure at National
Prosecution Authority chief law officer, Chris Mutangadura’s office.
Presiding magistrate Morgen Nemadire postponed the matter
to today for continuation. Chivayo is represented by Lewis Uriri and Wilson
Manase.
Nduna is scheduled to testify today. Newsday
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