Cottco Manager in Court for Fraud After Purchasing Trucks for Himself Securing Contracts from Cottco

The acting manager of Cotton Company of Zimbabwe Limited (COTTCO) appeared in court on charges of fraud. He is accused of purchasing trucks for himself and registering them under his nephew’s name, with the intention of securing contracts from Cottco for transporting goods.

Bail Granted, but Precautions Taken

Despite the gravity of the charges against him, Munyaradzi Chikasha was granted bail in the staggering amount of US$100. However, the court took precautionary measures, ordering him to surrender his passport and strictly forbidding any contact or interference with potential witnesses. The stage is set for a high-stakes legal battle when Chikasha is scheduled to return to court on June 12.

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Chikasha’s Cunning Scheme

According to the prosecution led by the tenacious Lancelot Mutsokoti, the shocking scheme unfolded in 2021, while Chikasha held the position of Cottco Chiredzi depot business manager. It is alleged that he hatched a cunning plan to siphon off the company’s resources for personal gain. Chikasha purchased two trucks and registered them under the name of his unsuspecting nephew, Tapiwa Joshua Chabata.

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The Web of Deception and Exploitation

To further conceal his misdeeds, Chikasha instructed Chabata to open a bank account with BancABC, where the illicit payments would be funneled. Exploiting his influential position within the company, Chikasha orchestrated contracts between Chabata and Cottco Chiredzi Depot for transportation services. As a result, the very trucks owned by Chikasha himself were utilised to transport Cottco goods on multiple occasions.

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A Shocking Betrayal of Trust

Shockingly, the payments for these services were promptly received, all under Chikasha’s watchful eye. Startling revelations have emerged that Chikasha deliberately concealed his personal interest from his employer, betraying the trust placed in him. It is also alleged that Chikasha shamelessly used ill-gotten funds from these transportation services to acquire not just one, but two additional trucks, amassing an illicit fleet.