Duo that stole US$75k from Econet denied bail

Michael Mashiri

The duo that stole US$75 200 from Econet has been denied bail.

Calisto David Chiota (36) of Montrose in Bulawayo and Hardlife Chenjerai (37) of Granary, Phase 3 in Harare appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged for theft of trust property as defined in Section 113 (2) (d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 and contravening Section 8 (1) (a) (b) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24)

The complainant is Econet Wireless, a provider of mobile network and banking services. Econet has a contract with Redan Coupon Pvt Ltd which they use to procure diesel for its booster stations around the country.

Chiota is a former employee of Econet Wireless, who was employed as a Refueling Supervisor based in Bulawayo and was in charge of the Masvingo Region.

Chenjerai is a former truck driver at Rodrigo Haulage Trucking Private Limited.

The court was informed that on 1 July, 2022, Chiota requested 40 000 litres of diesel for Econet Masvingo Region. The fuel was delivered in a Rodrigo Haulage Trucking Company tanker driven by Chenjerai.

Chiota, who was in Masvingo, approached Chenjerai before off-loading the fuel at Doczine Garage in Masvingo.

Chiota instructed Chenjerai not to off-load fuel at Doczine, instead they connived and went to off-load the fuel into another tanker. After off-loading Chenjerai left for Harare.

Chiota updated his records as usual and appraised Head Office who did not suspect any foul play.

On 28 October, 2022, Econet carried out a fuel allocation reconciliation for the month of July, 2022 and the offence was discovered.

After possessing the 40 000 litres of diesel meant for distribution at Econet Base Stations dotted around Masvingo Province, Chiota and Chenjerai converted the 40 000 litres and laundered a whole consignment worth US$75 200, thereby violating the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24).

The total value stolen is US$75 200 and nothing was recovered.

Magistrate Dennis Mangosi opposed the bail application by the duo and ordered them to appear in court on 22 November, 2022 for bail application.