A TRUSTEE of a Matabeleland South self-help water cooperative allegedly stole R1 million from the organisation’s bank account in South Africa putting the project into limbo.
At least 400 members of the Amanzi Mat-South Cooperative
Society came together with a vision to buy borehole drilling equipment in 2019.
Each member is supposed to contribute about R17 000 towards
the project and a consolidated account was opened in South Africa.
While members of the Amanzi Mat-South Cooperative Society
were optimistic of procuring rigs, cars and other equipment to propel their
vision, one of their South African-based trustees Mr Tshidzani Ncube is alleged
to have misappropriated R1,1 million.
He allegedly withdrew the money from the cooperative’s bank
account and the theft was only discovered last month.
Amanzi Mat-South Cooperative Society chairman and prominent
Bulawayo lawyer Mr Prince Butshe Dube yesterday confirmed that the organisation
was dealing with a theft case.
“Without giving a formal statement, what you are referring
to is true. I have not been given clearance by the executive. That’s why I was
saying if it’s possible you could have contacted me tomorrow so that I seek
authorisation because as a new organisation, we would not have prepared for
some of these things,” said Mr Dube.
He said investigations are still ongoing to establish how
Mr Ncube siphoned the trust funds.
“After we discovered (the theft), the guy went and sought
legal advice from a certain law firm here in Bulawayo and they wrote to us
stating that he withdrew the money as one of the trustees. I think the guy
manipulated the bank system and we suspect that he connived with a bank
employee because for any withdrawal there should be three signatories,” he
said.
Mr Dube said they were yet to conduct a comprehensive audit
but indications are that Mr Ncube withdrew about R1 million.
“His lawyers in fact wrote to us confirming that he took
the money,” he said.
Mr Dube said a criminal case is being pursued against Mr
Ncube who has committed to paying back the money.
“Our members have tried to report the case and have been to
three police stations where they have been moved from one station to another,
according to their report. It’s all work in progress. From where I stand, it’s
a criminal matter and they will prosecute him obviously, but at least he has
made an undertaking to pay back the money. In fact, he has started paying
back,” said Mr Dube.
He said the theft of the funds was a major setback to their
project meant to provide water to Matabeleland region.- Chronicle
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