US$38 000 fraud trial fails to take off

THE trial of suspected fraudster, Michael Smith, who allegedly defrauded MA Auto Suppliers, trading as Mr Cruiser, of at least US$38 000 and R124 000 failed to resume this week at the instigation of the defence counsel.

Smith told the court that his lawyer, Mr Takudzwa Nyambira, was not feeling well and needed to undergo an operation.

The State consented to postponement to June 20. However, the court warned Smith that if the lawyer was not available on that day, the matter would proceed.

Smith is facing two counts of theft of trust property, 12 counts of fraud and 25 counts of corruptly concealing transactions from his principal who is represented by Mr Michael Scott Asher before Harare magistrate Mrs Ethel Chichera.

Prosecutor Mr Anesu Chirenje is alleging that Smith failed to disclose to the complainant, Mr Asher that their company was paying its South African suppliers through a third party, Mant Procurement (Pvt) Ltd.

Smith allegedly masterminded that Mant Procurement purely inflate costs with the excess amounts shared with his accomplice Tony Oatley. The State has so far led three witnesses in the matter. There is Phanuel Jaji who is employed by MA Auto Suppliers (Pvt) Ltd as a stock controller.

In his evidence-in-chief, Jaji told the court that in September 2022 when he was on duty, they received company orders from South Africa. He testified that Smith took company property for personal use. Another witness Archbald Mukoto who is a stores assistant gave the same evidence.

A third witness Amanda Beverly also testified.