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officer on the pretext that he was going to buy electrical accessories in South Africa appeared in court yesterday.
Julius Magobi Masanza (35) allegedly misrepresented to Mr Enock Nyika that he was looking for a local partner to form a company and operate business.
He pleaded not guilty to theft charges when he appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Don Ndirowei who remanded him out custody to May 5 on US$200 bail.
Prosecutor Ms Vernancia Mtake alleges that on March 18 this year, Masanza connived with one Moses Meza (still at large) to steal from Mr Nyika.
Mr Nyika was reportedly having a drink at Jameson Hotel when Masanza approached him.
During a conversation Masanza allegedly told Mr Nyika that he had a substantial amount of cash and was looking for someone to form a business partnership with.
After having drinks they exchanged addresses and cellphone numbers for communication purposes, says the State.
Later Masanza reportedly visited Mr Nyika at his workplace to convince him on the partnership deal, which the two eventually sealed.
On March 23 Mr Nyika had an order to supply electrical cables to Oleic Electrical.
Masanza then indicated that he had connections in South Africa who would supply cables at a competitive price, the court heard.
The following day he told Mr Nyika that the order was going for US$50 000 including accommodation, shipping and transport, it is alleged.
Masanza allegedly further told Mr Nyika he wanted a chemical called VIII separator since he tinted his money to make it easy to import it into Zimbabwe from Tanzania.
They agreed to use Mr Nyika’s money and Masanza was allegedly given the US$50 000 to procure the order.
Masanza then shared the cash with Meza and he left for South Africa where he imported a Mazda MPV and a Toyota Hiace, the court heard.
On his return he never went to the complainant to give feedback but disappeared.
Mr Nyika filed a police report prompting Masanza’s arrest.