Former DGL9 director in court for US$40k fraud

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Correspondent

A former director of DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited has been taken to court accused of fraud involving US$40 000.

Cleophas Chigede, 52, of Mt Darwin, appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, facing fraud allegations.

The complainant in this matter is the State, represented by Francesco Marconati, managing director of DGL9 Investments Private Limited.

The State alleges that early in 2023, Chigede made an application to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for some rebates on the intended importation of sodium cyanide and hydrated lime.

The State alleges that Chigede tasked her accomplice, Bernadate Mukuku, a former employee of DGL 5 Investments from 2017 until November 9, 2022, to make follow-ups with Zimra on the approval of the rebate applications.

Zimra station manager, Bulawayo Port approved the rebate applications on April 17, 2023, for four consignments of 18.7 MT and 27.5 MT of sodium cyanide, valued at US$131 670 and 23.7MT and 30MT of hydrated lime, valued at US$13 425 and the approval letters were addressed to DGL 9 Investments Pvt Limited, copied to Chigede.

It is alleged that with the assistance of Mukuku, using DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited name, imported the hydrated lime from Mauritius through Chirundu Border Post and sodium cyanide from Mauritius through Forbes Border Post.

The court heard that together with his accomplice, he misrepresented to Zimra on the declaration documents that the consignments were being imported by DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited.

Chigede is a shareholder of DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited and not a director while accomplice is a former employee and both did not have any authority to apply for rebate and import the goods on behalf of DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited.

The court heard that the imported jydrated lime and sodium cyanide was never delivered or used at DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited as per requirement of the rebate.

Due to the misrepresentation, Zimra was prejudiced of approximately US$40 000 in duty and DGL9 Investments Pvt Limited was prejudiced of its reputation and good administration.