By Takudzuridzwa Nyama
MITMIC Investments, a fuel and oil retailer based in Jerera, Zaka, Masvingo, is facing serious allegations of theft of trust property. The company and its Director, Confidence Mukau, appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court to respond to charges filed by the Zaka Rural District Council.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the complainant in this case is the Zaka Rural District Council.
The State alleges that on March 24, 2020, the company received a payment of 250,000 Zimbabwean dollars for the supply of 10,000 liters of diesel for road construction in the Nyabare area. The company received another payment of 250,000 Zimbabwean dollars on March 25, 2020, for the supply of 10,000 liters of diesel for the rehabilitation of Chivamba Road to Zingwena Road, funded by the Devolution Program.
The agreement stipulated that the company would store the fuel on behalf of the Zaka Rural District Council, as the Council lacked the necessary storage facilities. The fuel was to be drawn as needed.
Allegations state that of the 20,000 liters entrusted to the accused, Zaka RDC only withdrew 4,664 liters for the Nyabare Project. When the complainant attempted to withdraw the remaining 5,336 liters, the accused allegedly failed to deliver. Similarly, the complainant had received 5,875.98 liters of diesel under the Devolution Project, but when they sought the balance of 4,124.02 liters, the accused again failed to provide it.
The accused has since closed the business and has not delivered any fuel since December 2020. As a result, Zaka RDC claims to have suffered a loss of USD 15,000.
The case is set to return to court on November 1, 2024.