News / National
Fuel dealer in US$45,000 theft storm
21 Jan 2025 at 13:42hrs | Views
A Harare-based fuel dealer, Michael Dzimiri (36), has appeared in court on charges of stealing fuel valued at US$45,000 from a fellow trader, Precious Mahosho (48), who operates under Smart Petroleum Private Limited.
Dzimiri was granted US$250 bail by magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu on Monday. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to reside at his stated address and report twice weekly to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Commercial and Crimes Department until the case is resolved.
According to the prosecution, led by Rufaro Chonzi, the incident dates back to August 31, 2023, when Mahosho engaged Dzimiri to store 40,000 liters of Mining Solvent Fuel on her behalf. She had failed to find a buyer for the fuel and agreed to pay Dzimiri a storage fee of US$0.01 per liter. The delivery was completed, and the necessary documents were signed to formalize the agreement.
However, the court heard that on September 17, 2024, Mahosho secured a buyer for the fuel but discovered that Dzimiri had sold it without her consent. Attempts to reach Dzimiri proved futile as he became evasive, prompting Mahosho to report the matter to the police on January 14, 2025.
Dzimiri was arrested two days later and has since been charged with theft.
The case highlights growing concerns over trust and accountability in Zimbabwe's fuel trading sector, where disputes over storage and distribution agreements have been on the rise.
The trial is set to continue as the court examines the evidence and testimonies related to the allegations.
Dzimiri was granted US$250 bail by magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu on Monday. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to reside at his stated address and report twice weekly to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Commercial and Crimes Department until the case is resolved.
According to the prosecution, led by Rufaro Chonzi, the incident dates back to August 31, 2023, when Mahosho engaged Dzimiri to store 40,000 liters of Mining Solvent Fuel on her behalf. She had failed to find a buyer for the fuel and agreed to pay Dzimiri a storage fee of US$0.01 per liter. The delivery was completed, and the necessary documents were signed to formalize the agreement.
However, the court heard that on September 17, 2024, Mahosho secured a buyer for the fuel but discovered that Dzimiri had sold it without her consent. Attempts to reach Dzimiri proved futile as he became evasive, prompting Mahosho to report the matter to the police on January 14, 2025.
Dzimiri was arrested two days later and has since been charged with theft.
The case highlights growing concerns over trust and accountability in Zimbabwe's fuel trading sector, where disputes over storage and distribution agreements have been on the rise.
The trial is set to continue as the court examines the evidence and testimonies related to the allegations.
Source - the herald
