Cooperative leaders accused of US$70,000 theft, ex...

Cooperative leaders accused of US$70,000 theft, expansion plans derail

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Five members of the Graniteside Industrial Cooperative, holding key leadership positions, are facing serious allegations of theft, accused of misappropriating US$70,000 intended for the cooperative's expansion and development. The accused, who allegedly diverted funds meant for land acquisition and infrastructural improvements, appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova and were granted US$100 bail each, pending routine remand on March 30.

Betserayi Simbarashe (53), Cephas Mandevani (54), Resania Muringi (47), and Artwell Maparura (51), all committee members responsible for managing the cooperative's affairs, were brought before the court. A fifth suspect, the cooperative's vice-chairperson, remains at large.

Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara detailed the allegations, stating that the Graniteside Industrial Cooperative was established in 2015 by 26 entrepreneurs seeking affordable workspaces. Each member contributed a US$50 joining fee, which was used to open a bank account and cover initial administrative costs. The cooperative then secured land through the Harare City Council, with members paying US$30 per month in rental contributions.

In 2022, the cooperative decided to expand, aiming to acquire an adjacent piece of land. Members were each asked to contribute US$100 to fund the land purchase and essential infrastructural development, including roads, electricity, and water installation. However, the accused allegedly deviated from the agreed plan, introducing 16 new individuals to the cooperative and charging them exorbitant fees ranging from US$1,000 to US$9,000.

According to Kangara, the accused misappropriated the collected funds, failing to fulfill the cooperative's financial obligations to the Harare City Council or to develop the land as promised. This resulted in the cooperative falling into rental arrears, and no significant development work was undertaken.

The alleged scam came to light when existing cooperative members discovered new individuals occupying land they had contributed to purchase. When questioned, the accused failed to provide satisfactory explanations, prompting an investigation. It was subsequently discovered that the funds collected for expansion had been distributed among the accused, leaving the cooperative in a state of financial distress. Investigations confirmed that the stolen US$70,000 was not recovered.