Zanu-PF councillor swindled US$56 600 in shady car deal

A 35-year-old Masvingo car dealer, Romeo Karonga, has been granted US$300 bail after appearing in court for allegedly defrauding Zanu-PF Councillor Benson Hwata of US$56,600 in a botched vehicle deal.

Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura granted Karonga bail on strict conditions, including residing in Masvingo, reporting to police weekly, and refraining from interfering with investigations or state witnesses. His trial is set to continue on November 18.

According to court documents, the alleged fraud occurred between October and November 2023, when Councillor Hwata, who represents Ward 2 in Masvingo City Council, reportedly paid Karonga for two vehicles - a Nissan UD80 truck and a JCB excavator.

The State alleges that Karonga received US$47,000 for the vehicles and transportation from South Africa, before later demanding US$2,600 for painting and fuel costs, and an additional US$7,000 purportedly for ZIMRA duty payments. Despite receiving a total of US$56,600, Karonga allegedly failed to deliver either of the vehicles.

Prosecutors had opposed bail, citing the gravity of the offence and the accused's position in the motor trade, which they argued made him a potential repeat offender. The court also heard that Karonga had allegedly approached witnesses to influence their testimony.

However, Karonga's defense team countered that the State had not presented compelling grounds to deny bail, leading the court to rule in his favour pending trial.