A deal to import a car using a civil servant’s rebate has backfired for an engineering firm, leaving them US$15,000 out of pocket.
Sakura Vuta Dewatering Private Limited, represented by its director Phillip Vuta, has accused Tatenda Mikishoni, a Human Resources Officer for Chikomba District in Chivhu, employed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, of duping them in a vehicle importation scheme.
The alleged incident unfolded in April when Vuta sought to purchase and import a Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ double cab 2020 model from Be Forward Japan. He turned to Mikishoni, who had previously assisted the company with importing motor vehicles, for assistance.
On April 29, Vuta handed Mikishoni US$10,000 in cash as a deposit for the vehicle. Mikishoni received the funds and deposited them into his Eco Bank account. The following day, Vuta paid an additional US$5,797 as a top-up for the purchase through their lawyers, Rufu and Makoni Legal Practitioners, bringing the total amount paid to Mikishoni to US$15,797.
Mikishoni acknowledged receipt of the full amount, signing for it. However, instead of transferring the US$15,190 purchase price to Be Forward’s account as per the invoice, he allegedly only deposited US$4,588. The remaining US$10,602, according to the prosecution, was allegedly converted to his personal use.
When the vehicle failed to arrive, Sakura Vuta Dewatering became suspicious and filed a report with the police, leading to Mikishoni’s arrest.
The case was heard before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi, who granted Mikishoni bail of US$300. He is expected to return to court on October 11 for the finalisation of investigations.
The prosecution, led by Rufaro Chonzi, alleged that Mikishoni’s actions constitute a breach of trust and a blatant disregard for the company’s funds.
