Woman sues Zupco for $1,5m over loss of business and damages

A SERVICE station owner in Masvingo is suing troubled public transport operator Zupco for $1,5 million over loss of business and damages after she was falsely accused of stealing fuel from the company.

Martina Mushangwe filed a civil suit at the High Court under case number 2236/15 after she was acquitted of fraud charges levelled against her by Zupco.

Masvingo magistrate Learnmore Ndokera on May 18 acquitted Mushangwe, who was accused of swindling 12 575 liters of diesel worth $15 845 from Zupco.

Following her acquittal, Mushangwe turned the tables against Zupco claiming that she lost business from her suppliers and her next order was delayed after she was arrested on theft charges as well as defamation.

The parastatal had filed a civil case claiming $17 606 or return of the fuel after it accused Mushangwe of failing to account for part of the 22 383 litres stored at her UniOil Service Station on December 3.

The fuel had been reserved to transport Zanu-PF delegates to their party's congress in Harare last year.

The civil case is still pending.