A FORMER policeman from Bulawayo has been dragged to the courts facing allegations of stealing US$173 500 that was meant to acquire a commercial property for his ex-wife.
Tavonga Gwabva, 41, of Matsheumhlope suburb, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Taurai Manuwere facing a theft charge.
He pleaded not guilty and the matter was postponed to April 2 for continuation of the trial.
The complainant, Nyengeterai Denga, testified in court that she entrusted Gwabva with money meant to purchase a commercial property.
Denga told the court that she later discovered that the money had allegedly been converted to personal use when she attempted to meet the sellers.
The State, represented by chief public prosecutor Nomthandazo Mafu, told the court that Denga had engaged Gwabva to conduct company business on her behalf.
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The court was told that on December 7, 2022, the pair went to Safeguard Security Services offices where they opened a security carriage store to keep funds meant for the acquisition of a commercial property.
According to the State, the safe deposit box was leased under Epic-Zone Boutique and both parties had access to it, with Denga regularly depositing cash from her business.
On April 6, 2023, Denga and Gwabva reportedly withdrew US$269 000 from the safe deposit box after learning that the commercial property she intended to buy was on sale.
However, the court heard that the transaction failed to proceed due to issues with the sellers, prompting the pair to return the money to the safe, which had increased to US$273 500.
The State alleges that on April 11, 2023, Gwabva returned to Safeguard offices alone and withdrew a large sum of money without the complainant’s knowledge or consent.
It is alleged that he made two withdrawals that day, totalling US$173 500.
The matter was reportedly discovered a month later, after Gwabva had left the country.
A police report led to Gwabva’s arrest.