News / National
Safari operator nabbed over US$170,000 theft
09 Dec 2024 at 06:53hrs | Views
A safari operator, Hamilton Mandizvidza, was arraigned before the courts last week on charges of theft of trust property involving US$170,000. Mandizvidza (44), the director of Falcon Safaris, appeared before Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and was granted bail in the amount of US$500.
The complainant in the case is Pride Murengwe, the director of Market Financial Services (Pvt) Ltd. Mandizvidza and Murengwe had been business partners for six years prior to the alleged crime.
According to the State, on June 20, 2024, Mandizvidza was entrusted with US$295,000, which was to be deposited into his bank account. The money was sent by Foxworth Consulting from the United States to cover payments for the supply of raw materials and services in Dubai, China, and the United Kingdom.
Mandizvidza allegedly made payments totaling US$125,000 but is accused of converting US$170,000 to his personal use. To cover his tracks, Mandizvidza reportedly generated fake proof of payment receipts, which were later discovered to be fraudulent, as the funds did not reach their intended destinations.
The court heard that Murengwe made numerous follow-up attempts to contact Mandizvidza but received no response. After several unsuccessful efforts, Murengwe reported the matter to the police, leading to Mandizvidza's arrest on December 3, 2024, in Victoria Falls.
The total amount allegedly stolen stands at US$170,000, and the funds have not been recovered. Mandizvidza was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
The complainant in the case is Pride Murengwe, the director of Market Financial Services (Pvt) Ltd. Mandizvidza and Murengwe had been business partners for six years prior to the alleged crime.
According to the State, on June 20, 2024, Mandizvidza was entrusted with US$295,000, which was to be deposited into his bank account. The money was sent by Foxworth Consulting from the United States to cover payments for the supply of raw materials and services in Dubai, China, and the United Kingdom.
Mandizvidza allegedly made payments totaling US$125,000 but is accused of converting US$170,000 to his personal use. To cover his tracks, Mandizvidza reportedly generated fake proof of payment receipts, which were later discovered to be fraudulent, as the funds did not reach their intended destinations.
The court heard that Murengwe made numerous follow-up attempts to contact Mandizvidza but received no response. After several unsuccessful efforts, Murengwe reported the matter to the police, leading to Mandizvidza's arrest on December 3, 2024, in Victoria Falls.
The total amount allegedly stolen stands at US$170,000, and the funds have not been recovered. Mandizvidza was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
Source - newsday
