SOME Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) employees allegedly swindled unsuspecting persons over US$180 000 in a bogus grant scheme.
This emerged in a court case in which the victims, represented by Charles Chikore of Chikore and Chigwaza Law, are seeking compensation after they were allegedly swindled of US$188 800.
In the application, the applicants cite ZYC, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training minister, council director Tonderai Motsi and employees Clementine Takudzwa Murombo, Juliana Kariri, Cephas Lenzeman, Gilbert Kanokanga and Venon Engine Mitchell.
The Youth minister, Tinoda “Tinmac” Machakaire, is not cited in his professional and personal capacity in the court papers.
In a statement, ZYC said the suspects were not employees of the Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training ministry.
“The ZYC remains committed to the highest standards of accountability, integrity and transparency and co-operates fully with all law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to place on record the fact that the employees implicated are not employed by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, but by ZYC.
“The ZYC is a statutory and autonomous body corporate, established in terms of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act [Chapter 25:19] and vested with the legal capacity to sue and be sued in its own name.”
The council asked stakeholders to allow the legal and administrative process to proceed without speculation, misrepresentation or undue influence.
According to court papers, between January and September 2024, the respondents allegedly conspired to defraud the applicants.
It is claimed they formed a bogus organisation called the World Youth and Women Association, falsely presenting it as an entity recognised by ZYC, a body which falls under the Youth ministry.
The applicants were allegedly misled into believing that they could receive grants from the Turkish embassy through the association, with promises of additional donations from other European countries.
Acting on the misrepresentation, the youths paid various amounts totalling US$188 800.
They are asking the court to order the restitution of US$188 800 or its equivalent in Zimbabwean Gold, plus interest at 5% per annum from the date of summons.
The matter is pending.