A Botswana-based Zimbabwean businessman, John Maruru, had his motor vehicle panelbeating garage in Gaborone West closed last week after authorities discovered he was operating without a valid trading licence.
The matter only came to light when Marufu appeared in court last month facing charges of swindling one of his clients of Botswana P52 887,20 through forged documents.
Marufu, who owns Loyal Saints Motors, is expected to appear in court on August 14 for trial in the latest matter.
Earlier this year, Marufu was charged for operating the garage illegally, but he allegedly continued running the business, prompting the police to issue an official order for the closure of the garage.
Last month, he was brought before the Gaborone Magistrates’ Court to answer charges of forgery, which arose from his allegedly swindling a customer of P52 887, 20.
He had initially pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery when he appeared before Gaborone magistrate Cele Motlaleng.
But he later changed his plea to that of not guilty. He told the court he initially pleaded guilty to the charges because he was confused as it was his first time to appear in court.
Marufu is currently out of custody on P3 000 bail and produced two sureties of P500 each. He will appear for routine remand hearing on July 25 in the forgery case.
