News / National
Pay back US$38 500, businessman ordered
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A Kwekwe businessman, James Paradza (46), has been convicted of theft after defrauding Bhola Hardware City of cellphones and accessories worth US$38,500. The ruling was delivered after a full trial before Harare Magistrate Lisah Mutendereki.
Paradza was initially sentenced to 36 months in prison. However, 18 months were suspended on condition of good behavior, while the remaining 18 months were suspended on the condition that he restitutes Bhola Hardware City with US$38,500 by April 25. Should he fail to make the payment, Paradza will serve the 18-month custodial sentence.
The case was brought to court by Mr. Amon Shumba, the security manager of Glidewell Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which trades as Bhola Hardware City. The wholesale business specializes in hardware, stationery, and electrical gadgets, including cellphones and accessories.
Paradza, who owns Mambo Cellular Networks in Kwekwe, had a longstanding business relationship with Bhola Hardware City, having transacted in the cellphone trading industry for several years. Initially, he purchased stock on a cash wholesale basis, but as trust developed, Bhola Hardware City began supplying him with cellphones on credit.
According to prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jamabawu, under this arrangement, Paradza was required to sell the phones and remit the proceeds to Bhola Hardware City. However, between October 2022 and July 2024, he received 300 TECNO Spark 20 cellphones on two separate occasions but failed to pay as agreed. Instead, he sold the phones and converted most of the funds to personal use.
His fraudulent conduct resulted in a financial loss of US$42,558 to Bhola Hardware City, of which only US$4,000 was recovered, leaving an outstanding balance of US$38,500.
The court's ruling ensures that Paradza must repay the full amount or face imprisonment, bringing a measure of justice to the defrauded business.
Paradza was initially sentenced to 36 months in prison. However, 18 months were suspended on condition of good behavior, while the remaining 18 months were suspended on the condition that he restitutes Bhola Hardware City with US$38,500 by April 25. Should he fail to make the payment, Paradza will serve the 18-month custodial sentence.
The case was brought to court by Mr. Amon Shumba, the security manager of Glidewell Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which trades as Bhola Hardware City. The wholesale business specializes in hardware, stationery, and electrical gadgets, including cellphones and accessories.
According to prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jamabawu, under this arrangement, Paradza was required to sell the phones and remit the proceeds to Bhola Hardware City. However, between October 2022 and July 2024, he received 300 TECNO Spark 20 cellphones on two separate occasions but failed to pay as agreed. Instead, he sold the phones and converted most of the funds to personal use.
His fraudulent conduct resulted in a financial loss of US$42,558 to Bhola Hardware City, of which only US$4,000 was recovered, leaving an outstanding balance of US$38,500.
The court's ruling ensures that Paradza must repay the full amount or face imprisonment, bringing a measure of justice to the defrauded business.
Source - online
