Man in soup for duping Airforce commander Shiri
By Tarisai Machakaire
HARARE – A Harare man reportedly duped Airforce of Zimbabwe commander air marshal Perrance Shiri of more than $50 000 in a botched solar project deal.
Brian Tarisai Kambasha of 33 Kambanji Drive in Harare appeared before magistrate Milton Serima charged with theft of trust property.
Kambasha’s trial was supposed to kick off yesterday but was postponed to February 26 because Shiri intends to travel.
Kambasha is the chief executive officer of Hemmingworth Cartwright (Private) Limited, a registered company in the business of installing solar power plants.
He is also being charged in his personal capacity.
Prosecutor Sharon Mashavira alleged that sometime in April 2013, Kambasha approached Shiri and indicated to him that he wanted to start a solar power pilot project.
He proposed to install the solar plant at Shiri’s farm in Bindura after indicating that the project would be done in three stages.
Shiri agreed to have the first stage of the project initiated at a total cost of $50 125.
On June 7, the same year Shiri and Kambasha agreed that the plant would be mounted within 12 weeks of payment.
The court heard that accused person received the money in three instalments of $20 000, $30 000 and $125. However, Kambasha only mounted metal stands for the plant and converted the balance to his own use.
Shiri then approached Kambasha after 12 weeks had lapsed and the latter gave numerous excuses after failing to install the plant or reimburse the money prompting Shiri to make a police report. Kambasha was subsequently arrested. Daily News
