Judicial manager summoned to court for barring forensic auditors

By The NewsDay | Nov. 24, 2017 | 2 Min read

A JUDICIAL manager for a mining firm, Aquarium Trading (Pvt) Ltd, Oliver Masomera (47) was summoned to the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with criminal abuse of office after he allegedly barred forensic auditors hired to investigate a $3 million shortfall.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Masomere, of Obram Trust, appeared before magistrate Tilda Mazhande, who remanded him to December 1 for commencement of trial after the State witness failed to turn up.

The complainant in the matter is Tamira Overseas, a South African company which has interests in Aquarium Trading, represented by Heena Jayant Joshi.

Allegations are that Masomera was appointed judicial manager of Aquarium Trading, a company based in Gweru. Tamira Overseas SA allegedly invested close to $3, 5 million in Aquarium Trading before the company was placed under provisional liquidation and then judicial management.

It is the State case that Masomera engaged forensic investigation professional services to investigate its directors and shareholders mid last year, a delay of over a year after his appointment.

It is alleged Masomera’s actions caused significant delays in commencement or accomplishments of the forensic investigations, thereby potentially disadvantaging Tamira Overseas SA as a creditor.

The State alleges as a result of Masomera’s actions, he engaged his firm Obram Trust, led by Bhudhama Chikamhi, to carry out the forensic audit but belatedly. It is alleged Chikamhi proceeded to Gweru to interview one of the shareholders Talep Mohammad over the missing $3,5 million, but Mohammad allegedly refused to be interviewed saying it was an order from Masomere.

Keep Reading

Mohammad allegedly phoned Masomera and recorded him as saying: “Don’t get interviewed.” The State alleges that Masomera intentionally acted contrary to his duties as a public officer.

Tapiwa Kasema appeared for the State.