Zimpapers Logo

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a local milling company of 90 tonnes of maize worth more than $27,000 after masquerading as an agent for a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Raymond Murisa, 45, of Tshabalala suburb appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Crispen Mberewere facing fraud charges. He was remanded out of custody to October 14 for trial.

Prosecuting, Trust Muduma said sometime in July this year, Murisa hatched a plan to defraud Bulisani Tshuma, a director of Membar Foods situated at Kelvin North industrial area in Bulawayo.

“On August 3, 2015, Murisa contacted Ester Moyo, a freelance sales broker and indicated to her that he was an agent of a local NGO, which was looking for a milling company to supply them with 90 tonnes of maize,” said Muduma.

The court heard that Moyo linked Murisa with Tshuma who agreed to sell the required maize.

Three days later Murisa phoned Tshuma and placed an order of 90 tonnes of maize.

He promised to pay for the consignment after three working days.

“The following day Tshuma delivered 90 tonnes of maize at Murisa’s given business address in Thorngrove,” said Muduma. The value of the maize was $27,239,70.

The court heard that after the three working days, Tshuma made a follow up on the promised payment and Murisa allegedly started giving flimsy excuses. Tshuma became suspicious and reported the matter to the police leading to Murisa’s arrest.

Investigations by the police revealed that the business address given by Murisa did not belong to him. Some of the maize valued at $19,955 was recovered.