Ex-NSSA Director Cleared of US$25k Fraud Charges

Zim Now Reporter

Former National Social Security Authority investment director Brian Murewa has been acquitted of fraud charges involving US$25 000, bringing an end to a high-profile case surrounding the purchase of a guest house in Kariba.

Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei delivered the not-guilty verdict at the close of the State’s case, ruling that the prosecution had failed to present compelling evidence against Murewa. He noted that testimonies from State witnesses were riddled with inconsistencies and did not link Murewa to any wrongdoing.

“It is the court’s view that the evidence of the prosecution is such that it does not implicate the accused person in the commission of the offence,” Ndirowei said.

He added that Murewa had acted within the scope of a board resolution authorising him to proceed with the property purchase, and that the agreement of sale was signed with the Thokozani Family Trust, the legitimate owners of the guest house.

“In light of the evidence, the court’s disposition is that the accused person should be found not guilty and discharged at the close of the State’s case,” he said.

The State had alleged that Murewa misrepresented the purchase price of the property, claiming it cost US$240,000 when it was allegedly secured for US$215,000. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje argued that Murewa had manipulated the figures in order to pocket a portion of the funds.

According to the allegations, in January 2021, NSSA tasked Murewa with identifying a suitable property in Kariba for use by its staff. He engaged Palm Golding, a real estate company, which offered a property listed by the Thokozani Family Trust for US$220,000. Murewa reportedly negotiated a reduction to US$215,000 but allegedly drafted a sales agreement reflecting a higher price of US$240,000.

On January 12, 2022, NSSA transferred US$300,000 to Platinum Investments Managers (Private) Limited, of which US$252,631.59 was intended for the property acquisition. The State claimed that Murewa later received US$153,000 from the investment managers to complete the deal, but only paid US$124,000 to the sellers, allegedly retaining US$29,000 for himself. The outstanding balance of US$91,000 was paid directly to the property owners on January 31, bringing the total to US$215,000.

However, the court found that the accusations did not withstand scrutiny and that the entire transaction was conducted with board approval and legal authorisation.