Braitwood Institute of Gemology chief executive officer Bernard Mahara Mutanga — on trial at the Harare Magistrates’ Court for allegedly swindling a business partner of $100 000 in a botched diamond purchasing deal — was arrested again on Monday after attending court.
Detectives from Serious Frauds Unit waited for Mutanga outside Court 18 and just after his case was postponed to November 2 for continuation, they pounced and arrested him.
Prosecutor Michael Reza who witnessed the dramatic arrest confirmed the development saying: “Some detectives were here but I did not know what they wanted until I postponed Mutanga’s matter.
“They told him he was under arrest, but I am not aware of the charges they are likely to prefer against him.” Mutanga is on trial for allegedly duping a local firm, African Star Diamonds, represented by Hatineti Kevin Sachikonye, into believing he could buy diamonds on his company’s behalf, but reportedly failed to deliver the gems and converted the cash to his use. African Star Diamond is a company registered to buy and polish diamonds.
In his defence, Mutanga — through his lawyer — told regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire he had been improperly charged in his personal capacity as the person who entered into an agreement with African Star Diamond.
He said when he signed the agreement, he was representing Braitwood Institute of Gemology.
Mutanga further told the court his account had over $117 000 and had no problems in paying African Star Diamonds, but a bank official who testified in court disputed Mutanga’s claim, saying accused’s account had been overdrawn with close to $300 000.
