Harare Logistics Dealer Charged Over US$18,450 Trust Property Theft

Southerton Business Times
Feb 6
2 min read

Harare Magistrates’ Court building during a theft of trust property case

HARARE — A Harare-based logistics dealer has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing three counts of theft of trust property involving US$18,450, allegedly misappropriated from a client who had entrusted him with funds to pay South African suppliers.

Philimon Tawanda Maruta (60) appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe, accused of converting money meant for business transactions to his personal use.

The complainant in the matter is Sandra Jeche (52).

Allegations Before the Court

According to the State, the first offence occurred on March 26, 2021, when Jeche allegedly deposited US$5,300 into Maruta’s CABS bank account. The funds were intended to pay for raw materials from suppliers in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Court documents allege that Maruta assured Jeche he would make the required payment on her behalf. However, after receiving the money, he allegedly failed to pay the suppliers and instead converted the funds for his own use.

Nothing was recovered.

Second Transaction, Same Outcome

On a second count dated March 27, 2021, Jeche allegedly instructed her son to deposit US$11,000 into the same CABS account, again to facilitate payment for raw materials sourced from Johannesburg. The State alleges that Maruta promised not only to pay the suppliers but also to arrange transportation of the goods from South Africa to Harare. However, prosecutors say the money was never used for its intended purpose and was instead misappropriated, leaving Jeche without either the funds or the raw materials.

Trust at the Centre of the Case

Prosecutors argue that the matter constitutes theft of trust property, as Maruta was allegedly acting in a position of trust when he received the money on behalf of the complainant.

Such cases typically hinge on whether the accused had a legal obligation to safeguard or apply the funds strictly for a specific purpose, and whether the conversion of the money was deliberate. The total amount allegedly involved across the counts is US$18,450.