Jeph and Leo Director in Court Over US$37k Undeliv...

Jeph and Leo Director in Court Over US$37k Undelivered Pebble Stones Deal

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Court Correspondent

The director of Jeph and Leo Private Limited has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly failing to deliver a consignment of pebble stones worth US$37 000.

Jephrate Muzira, 60, represented his company before Harare magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu following accusations that he reneged on a supply contract with Pomona Geo Waste Private Limited.

The complainant, Pomona Geo Waste, is represented by its Loss Control Officer, Smackmail Chikowore.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah led evidence from Chikowore, who detailed how the deal allegedly went wrong. The trial is set to continue on Monday, with Chikowore resuming his testimony.

According to the State, Pomona Geo Waste advertised a tender in March 2024 for the procurement of 1 500 cubic metres of pebble stones, valued at US$62 531.25. Muzira successfully bid for the contract and agreed to deliver the full consignment by April 25, 2024.

On March 21, Pomona Geo Waste made an initial deposit of US$31,265 into Jeph and Leo’s ZB Bank account. However, Muzira allegedly delivered only 114 cubic metres, leaving an outstanding balance of 1,386 cubic metres worth US$37 265.63.

Two days before the deadline, Muzira requested an additional US$10,000, claiming it was needed to facilitate delivery of the remaining stones by April 27.

The complainant complied, but Muzira allegedly failed to honor the agreement, instead offering what were described as "flimsy excuses."

After repeated failed attempts to secure the delivery, Pomona Geo Waste reported the matter to the police, leading to Muzira’s arrest.

The prosecution alleges that Muzira’s actions resulted in a financial loss of US$37,265.63, with neither the funds nor the remaining materials recovered.