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Mutasa Rural Council mechanic up for fraud

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A MOTOR mechanic at Mutasa Rural District Council appeared at the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court facing a $7 000 fraud charge

A MOTOR mechanic at Mutasa Rural District Council appeared at the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court facing a $7 000 fraud charge after he allegedly misrepresented to his employer that he was taking council vehicles for service and pocketed the money.

OBEY MANAYITI STAFF REPORTER Isheanesu Joshua Mukosanjera (32), however, denied the charge and was remanded to October 27 on $300 bail.

It is the State’s case that Mukosanjera, who was employed as a mechanic, was tasked to service the local authority’s vehicles as well as referring the vehicles to other competent garages for major service.

However, between May 2011 and September this year, Mukosanjera allegedly falsely claimed to have taken two council vehicles for service at Mutare Toyota on 18 occasions.

The court heard that each time he would submit fake invoices purporting to be from Mutare Toyota to his employers for payment.

The matter came to light on September 5 after council treasurer Jairos Masiye approached Mutare Toyota where he was told the local authority’s vehicles were overdue for service.

However, there was a message on one of the vehicles showing that the vehicles had just been serviced.

On September 12, council chief executive officer George Bandure and the treasurer went to Mutare Toyota with the alleged fake invoices which were disowned by the company.

It was then discovered that the vehicles were never serviced at Mutare Toyota as alleged by Mukosanjera, leading to his arrest.

The prejudice amounted to $7 038 and nothing has recovered.

Ignatio Mhene was the presiding magistrate while Zivanai Gombarume prosecuted.