News / National
NetOne duped US$133,000 by auction dealer
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Jeffery Mubaiwa, the director of JEFFM Auctions, appeared before Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya on Thursday, facing charges of fraud after allegedly defrauding mobile network operator NetOne Private Limited of US$133,000.
Mubaiwa (47) was granted bail set at US$100 and was instructed to report to the police once every fortnight pending further investigations.
Represented by Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne is seeking redress for the alleged fraudulent activity.
The case revolves around an agreement Mubaiwa entered into with NetOne in September 2022, when the telecommunications company placed an advertisement seeking quotations from bidders registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The contract was for the disposal of obsolete equipment, furniture, and vehicles.
In January 2024, Mubaiwa's company was awarded the contract to conduct the auction under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. Mubaiwa was entrusted with the responsibility of auctioning the items and remitting the proceeds to NetOne.
According to court documents, Mubaiwa was required to remit the auction proceeds to NetOne within 48 hours after the event. The auction took place on July 13, 2024, with the bidding conducted in US dollars, as per NetOne's instructions. The sale generated US$113,450 from motor vehicles and US$58,754 from other items, totaling US$172,204.
However, it is alleged that Mubaiwa failed to remit the funds within the stipulated time frame, and instead, retained the money for his personal use. After the 48-hour period had elapsed, NetOne reportedly contacted Mubaiwa to inquire about the delay in payment.
On July 23, 2024, Mubaiwa deposited US$39,000 as a partial payment, but the remaining US$133,204 was allegedly retained by him.
The prosecution, led by Rufaro Chonzi, contends that Mubaiwa unlawfully converted the funds for his personal use, and investigations are ongoing.
Mubaiwa has denied the allegations, and the case has been adjourned as further inquiries are conducted.
Mubaiwa (47) was granted bail set at US$100 and was instructed to report to the police once every fortnight pending further investigations.
Represented by Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne is seeking redress for the alleged fraudulent activity.
The case revolves around an agreement Mubaiwa entered into with NetOne in September 2022, when the telecommunications company placed an advertisement seeking quotations from bidders registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The contract was for the disposal of obsolete equipment, furniture, and vehicles.
In January 2024, Mubaiwa's company was awarded the contract to conduct the auction under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. Mubaiwa was entrusted with the responsibility of auctioning the items and remitting the proceeds to NetOne.
However, it is alleged that Mubaiwa failed to remit the funds within the stipulated time frame, and instead, retained the money for his personal use. After the 48-hour period had elapsed, NetOne reportedly contacted Mubaiwa to inquire about the delay in payment.
On July 23, 2024, Mubaiwa deposited US$39,000 as a partial payment, but the remaining US$133,204 was allegedly retained by him.
The prosecution, led by Rufaro Chonzi, contends that Mubaiwa unlawfully converted the funds for his personal use, and investigations are ongoing.
Mubaiwa has denied the allegations, and the case has been adjourned as further inquiries are conducted.
Source - newsday
