Former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi appeared in court yesterday charged with theft of trust property after he allegedly squandered $1,6 million which was meant for United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Conference co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2013.
Mzembi was charged together with Tourism and Hospitality ministry consultant Aaron Dzingira Mushoriwa (62), and the ex-permanent secretary Margret Sangarwe, (59). Harare magistrate, Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa released the trio on $300 bail with state’s consent and remanded them to March 7 pending their trial. They were also ordered to continue residing at their present addresses, surrender passports and report to the police Commercial Crimes Division every Friday. Mzembi’s lawyer, Job Sikhala notified the state that he will challenge the arrest and placement on remand of his client on February 13.
The court heard that Mzembi instructed Mushoriwa and Susan Makombe Kahudzayi who is still at large, to open a bank account in the name of an unregistered company Conventions Africa with ZB Bank after securing sponsorship from Mbada Diamonds which made several deposits into the account amounting to $810 000. The duo then transferred $150 000 to Croco Motors for purchase of three Ford Ranger Double Cabs and registered them under the UNWTO Trust which was non-existent. The two also received a Tata Xenon Double Cab that was fully paid for by Mimosa Mining. The State alleges Mzembi then gave orders for the vehicles to be distributed and he got a Ford Ranger, Mushoriwa obtained a Tata Xenon Double Cab, while Sangarwe and Kahudzai each got Ford Rangers.
More: NewZimbabwe
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