A BOTSWANA–based pastor with Uebert Angel’s Spirit Embassy Church was yesterday taken to court for allegedly defrauding a travel agency of cash amounting to $65 000.
PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI
Daniel Mopurisi (52) of Plot Number 32779 Francistown, appeared before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei charged with fraud. He was remanded to December 2 on $200 bail and ordered to surrender his passport to the clerk of court and report to police once every Friday.
Prosecutor Sharon Mashavira told the court that sometime in August this year, Mopurisi lured Traverze Travel managing director Zodwa Mutunzi into a business partnership after the latter attended a church service at Spirit Embassy church.
Allegations were that Mopurisi told Mutunzi that he had some enterprising businesses in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It is further alleged that Mopurisi also told Mutunzi that he had already secured some orders that needed to be funded. Mopurisi allegedly proposed a 50-50 business partnership with Mutunzi’s company.
The court also heard that Mopurisi further told Mutunzi that her company would enjoy 60% of the profit from the deal.
On September 14, it is alleged, Mutunzi gave Mopurisi $65 000 as capital and he agreed to produce and supply the products. As part of the agreement, Mopurisi allegedly agreed to pay back the capital injected into business plus the profit within a fortnight.
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After two weeks, Mutunzi went to inquire about their deal only to receive some excuses from the man of the cloth, it is alleged.
The court heard that Mutunzi decided to lodge a complaint with the police against the pastor on November 16, resulting in Mopurisi’s arrest at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare where he was booked. Mutunzi claims she lost $65 000 and ZAR200 000 to Mopurisi.
