Eduction Ministry HR Officer in court over car imp...

Eduction Ministry HR Officer in court over car impor fraud

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Chikomba District Human Resources officer, Chivhu, employed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has appeared in court facing fraud charges.

Tatenda Mikishoni was arraigned before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrate's Court, charged with fraud. He was granted US$300 bail and is expected to return to court on October 11, 2024.

The case's complainant is Sakura Vuta Dewatering Private Limited, represented by its director, Phillip Vuta.

According to the State's allegations, in April, 2024, Sakura Vuta Dewatering Pvt Ltd sought to purchase and import a vehicle from Be Forward, Japan, to Zimbabwe. Vuta engaged Mikishoni, who had previously assisted the company with vehicle imports.

On April 29, Vuta reportedly gave Mikishoni a US$10,000 deposit for the purchase of a 2020 Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ double cab. Mikishoni is said to have deposited the money into his EcoBank account.

The following day, Vuta made an additional payment of US$5,797, through their legal representatives, Rufu and Makoni Legal Practitioners. This brought the total payment to US$15,797. Mikishoni acknowledged receipt of the funds in writing.

Mikishoni was expected to transfer US$15,190 to Be Forward as payment for the vehicle, based on the provided invoice. However, it is alleged that he only transferred US$4,588, converting the remaining US$10,602 for his personal use.

Due to this alleged fraudulent conversion, Vuta reported the matter to the police, resulting in Mikishoni’s arrest.

Sakura Vuta Dewatering Pvt Ltd has incurred a total loss of US$15,797, none of which has been recovered to date.