A 32-year-old estates administrator has appeared in court facing allegations of embezzling US$91,300 in estate funds entrusted to him by two beneficiaries.
Tryson Mapinde was charged with theft of trust property when he appeared before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
According to the State, Mapinde was engaged by Bruce Williams Odendaal of Kadoma and Shamaine Odendaal in 2022 to handle the administration of their estates.
As part of his duties, Mapinde was responsible for registering and facilitating the distribution of the estates.
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However, in 2024, he allegedly converted US$91,300—meant for payment of Master’s fees—to his personal use.
The funds in question comprised US$26,850 and US$64,450 received from the two beneficiaries, respectively.
When the complainants discovered the alleged fraud, they tried to locate Mapinde but were unsuccessful, prompting them to report the matter to the police.
Mapinde’s lawyer, Killian Mandiki, is awaiting the magistrate’s ruling on bail.
None of the allegedly stolen funds have been recovered to date.
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