Fraud-accused NSSA boss acquitted

Former National Social Security Authority (NSSA) investment director, Brian Murewa, has been acquitted of fraud charges involving US$25,000, following a ruling by Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei that found no evidence to support the prosecution's case.

Murewa, who was represented by lawyer Tafadzwa Hungwe, was discharged at the close of the State's case after the court found conflicting witness testimonies and a lack of incriminating evidence.

"It is the court's view that the evidence of the prosecution is such that it does not implicate the accused person in the commission of the offence," Magistrate Ndirowei ruled.

The court noted that Murewa acted under a board resolution authorising the purchase of the guest house in Kariba, which permitted him to agree on a buying price of up to US$240,000.

"It is also a fact that the accused signed the agreement of sale with the Thokozani Family Trust which sold the property," Ndirowei said. "In light of the evidence, the court's disposition is that the accused person should be found not guilty and discharged at the close of the State's case."
Allegations Fall Apart

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje had alleged that Murewa defrauded NSSA by inflating the purchase price of a Kariba guest house from US$215,000 to US$240,000, and misappropriating part of the funds.

The State claimed that NSSA had tasked Murewa in January 2021 to identify a property in Kariba for staff use. He reportedly approached Palm Golding, a real estate firm, which was selling a property on behalf of the Thokozani Family Trust.

Murewa allegedly negotiated a discount to US$215,000, but induced the sellers to sign an agreement reflecting a US$240,000 purchase price. NSSA subsequently transferred US$300,000 to Platinum Investments Managers (Private) Limited, with US$252,631.59 allocated for the purchase.

According to the State, Murewa was handed US$153,000 to complete the transaction but paid only US$124,000, allegedly pocketing the difference. A remaining US$91,000 was reportedly transferred directly to the sellers.

However, the court ruled that these transactions were not sufficient to implicate Murewa in any wrongdoing, especially given the authorised purchase price and lack of evidence showing personal enrichment.
Implications

The acquittal ends a high-profile case that had attracted public attention due to NSSA's troubled history with corruption and mismanagement allegations. Murewa's legal team maintained throughout the trial that he was being unfairly targeted for decisions made within the scope of his professional mandate.

With the case now closed, it remains to be seen whether NSSA or the State will pursue any civil remedies or conduct internal reviews of the transaction in question.