Mphokos Freed As State Withdraws Fraud And Extortion Charges

Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s son Siqokoqela and his wife Nomagugu, were yesterday freed following the withdrawal of their fraud and extortion charges by the State.

The Mphokos were accused of looting more than $80 000 in cash and goods at Choppies. Siqokoqela allegedly abused his power to loot $50 000 in cash realised from sales at different supermarkets and replacing it with transfers. Nomagugu allegedly approached Choppies outlets in Bulawayo and demanded cash. She allegedly ordered 15 Choppies Supermarket managers in Bulawayo to give her more than $30 000 cash from their swipe machines after threatening them with either deportation or dismissal. She was facing 49 counts of extortion while her husband had 170 counts of fraud.

The charges against the Mphokos were yesterday officially withdrawn before Bulawayo resident magistrate Joseph Mabeza. This follows Choppies chief executive officer Mr Ramachandran Ottapathu’s decision to withdraw fraud and extortion charges which were levelled against Siqokoqela and his wife.