Kencor Manager in Court Over US$48k Fraud Scanda...

Kencor Manager in Court Over US$48k Fraud Scandal

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A branch manager at Kencor Management Services Private Limited has been arraigned before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly defrauding the company of over US$48 000 and ZWL$11 000.

Tawanda Kanengoni, 26, of Nkwisi Gardens, Tynwald, appeared before Magistrate Apollonia Marutya facing multiple charges of fraud. He was granted bail of US$200 and is scheduled to return to court on January 13, 2025.

The allegations stem from a series of fraudulent activities committed between June and August 2024. According to the State, Kanengoni, in collaboration with Martin Chiwisa, Aderene Chisaka (already in court), and Anderson Mashoro (still at large), manipulated Kencor’s computer system using remote access tools.

The group allegedly used AnyDesk applications on laptops belonging to Allied Timbers, bypassing security measures by utilizing Chisaka's password. They reportedly generated false return-to-supplier entries, creating fake credit notes to make it appear that inventory had been returned. However, the items were allegedly diverted for personal gain, causing a loss of US$21,292.17 to Kencor.

CCTV footage from July 27, 2024, reportedly captured inventory being loaded onto an unregistered truck at Kencor’s Chivhu branch, corroborating the allegations.

Further investigations revealed that between June and August 2024, Kanengoni, working with Mashoro, failed to deposit revenue amounting to US$32,983.36 and ZWL$11,781.44 from agricultural product sales at the Farmshop branch in Chivhu. After deducting US$2,836.93 for expenses, Kanengoni is accused of converting US$12,334.43 and ZWL$11,781.44 to personal use.

Additionally, Kanengoni allegedly issued fake manual invoices for stock valued at US$13,068.38. He collected payments from customers but did not record the transactions in the company’s system, instead converting the funds for personal use.

The alleged fraud was uncovered during an internal audit conducted on August 16, 2024, which included a review of sales, banking records, and an inventory count. The total loss to the company is reported to be US$48,292.17 and ZWL$11,781.44, none of which has been recovered.