Extraterritorial probe scuttles Kadungure trial

HARARE – Extraterritorial investigations have stalled proceedings in the trial of Harare businessman Genius Kadungure, who is facing R1 581 890 fraud charges.

Kadungure’s application for refusal of further remand was dismissed by the court on grounds that the case was a complex matter and the State needed more time to complete investigations.

The businessman is accused of swindling Chegutu West Zanu PF MP Dexter Nduna, who is the managing director of Badon Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, and a Kadoma-based miner only identified as Gatawa of R1 581 890.

Harare magistrate Milton Serima said: “Given the apparent complex nature of these allegations, the State’s position can be understood. The State is doing everything possible to pace up these proceedings”.

An argument ensued between prosecutor Sharon Mashavira and Kadungure’s lawyer, Tafadzwa Hungwe after the next remand date had been slated for March 31.

Mashavira argued that the investigations officer was set to leave for Botswana and an earlier remand date would not be necessary.

Hungwe, however, placed his argument based on the provisions of the law that an accused person cannot be given a remand date of more than 14 days from the last appearance.

Serima remanded the matter to February 26.

It is the State’s case that in November 2012, Kadungure and his accomplices created a fictitious company named Transco Civil Engineering purportedly based in South Africa and opened an ABSA account for the company.

The court heard that the flamboyant businessman created an e-mail account named [email protected], pretending to be a legitimate representative of Marange Resources.

He allegedly contacted the complainants over the phone and masqueraded as the chief buyer for Marange Resources looking for mining pumps at competitive prices.

He referred complainants to Transco Civil Engineering in South Africa on the pretext it was a recommended supplier for the pumps.

Gatawa, reportedly sent his brother Enock to South Africa to purchase the pumps.

He was ordered to deposit

R1 046 890 for the purchase of 10 flight pumps in the ABSA bank account.

After the transfers, Enock was told by Transco Civil Engineering “officials” to go back to Zimbabwe and check for his parcel with DHL in three days.

Gatawa went to DHL Airport branch to collect the pumps and was shocked to receive a parcel of cell phone chargers, instead. Daily News