A MAN yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged with fraud involving more than $97 000.
BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE
Patrick Mutenha, of Cheryl Court in Avondale, appeared before magistrate Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe and was granted $1 000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge. He was remanded to July 22.
The complainant in the matter is a manager at Plant and Equipment International (PEI), whose name was not mentioned in the court papers. It is the State’s case that PEI wanted to buy construction tippers, which were being sold on a cash basis only. But the company did not have cash although it had money in its bank account.
The manager then sought assistance from Craig Manuel, who negotiated with Mutenha, who promised to provide cash if the company transferred money into his bank account.
The State alleges Manuel then provided the complainant with Mutenha’s account number.
PEI director, Tim Holden, then made a bank transfer of $97 500 to Mutenha, who confirmed receipt of the money.
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The State alleges, Mutenha, however, said he was unable to get cash that day and promised to get it the following day.
On June14, it is alleged, Mutenha said his bank account had been frozen and again assured him he would get the cash the next day.
The State alleges on June 15, he said his bank account was being investigated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
The complainant become suspicious and went to his bank intending to reverse the transaction, but was told that Mutenha had already withdrawn the money.
The complainant then made a police report, leading to Mutenha’s arrest and nothing was recovered. Sebastian Mutizirwa prosecuted.
