Car import agent in court for defrauding US$44 180

**Vitalis Munemo, in black T-shirt, arriving at the Harare Magistrates' Courts**

Michael Mashiri

A man who allegedly defrauded more than US$44 000 from the complainant, claiming that he was an agent who is into importing cars has been denied bail.

Vitalis Munemo, 29, of Norton, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi accused of theft of trust property.

The complainant in this matter is Victor Dingani, of Cold Comfort employed at the President’s Office.

The State, through prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, alleges that in August 2023, Dingani who wanted to import three cars, went to Munemo at Netway Car Sales, opposite Prince Edward High School. He knew Munemo as a car dealer as well as an agent in the importation of cars.

Dingani allegedly told Munemo that he wanted to import an Iveco truck, DAF truck and a trailer and they agreed on payment terms.

He was charged BWP18 210 pounds for importing an Iveco truck, £4 500 for importing a trailer and £4 239 for the DAF plus shipping expenses of £11 740 making the total fees of purchasing all three cars and shipment charges £38 690.80.

The State alleges that on August 12, 2023, Dingani deposited £8 950 towards the purchase of an Iveco truck.

On August 13, 2023, Dingani paid £9 250 which was the balance for the Iveco truck.

On August 16, 2013, Dingani made a payment of £4 500 for the purchase of a trailer.

In September 2023, it is alleged that he paid £10 400 meant for shipping expenses, leaving a balance of £1 340 pounds which he finally paid on November 4, 2023.

Munemo instructed Dingani to send a driver to Walvis Bay to collect the vehicle and the trailer. The driver went there and stayed for nine days but came back to Zimbabwe with nothing after failing to locate Munemo who had become evasive.

Munemo received a total £33 470 meant for purchasing and shipping the vehicles which he converted to own use.

As a result, Dingane lost £33 470 which is an equivalent of US$44 180.40.

Munemo was remanded in custody to today for bail application.