A former corporate manager at Wellcash Debt Collectors, who is already embroiled in a kidnapping case, has been further remanded in a separate matter involving the alleged theft of nearly US$11 000 in trust property.
Simbarashe Emmanuel Martin Rondozai (38) appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo, who remanded him to September 10. Rondozai is also a suspect in a kidnapping case for which trial is set to continue on September 19.
In the current case, Rondozai is accused of converting US$10 811 to his own use.
The funds were recovered by his former employer on behalf of clients between March and December 2024, but nothing has been recovered.
The former accounts manager is being charged with theft of trust property as defined under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The company is being represented by Mr. Cephas Ngorima.
According to the state, led by Takudzwa Jambawo, Rondozai was responsible for collecting debts and depositing the funds into the company’s ZB Bank account for eventual transfer to creditors.
Instead of fulfilling his duties, Rondozai allegedly squandered the money.
The court heard that David Matanda, a former debt collector with the firm, alleges he handed over several cash payments to Rondozai.
These included US$8 811 withdrawn from an EcoCash account, US$400 received through the money transfer agency Mukuru, and further payments of US$400 and US$300 from debtors Chicken Launch and one Chaluwa.
In another instance, debt collector Lancelot Muswere allegedly collected US$300 from a debtor.
Rondozai reportedly instructed Muswere to transfer the funds to an EcoCash number registered in the name of the suspect’s mother, Mercy Rondozai.
A trial date for the fraud charges is yet to be set.