Man dupes partner US$350k

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

Yeukai Karengezeka–Court Correspondent 

A MAN from Gokwe, who allegedly defrauded his business partner who had invested US$350 000 into a pharmaceutical venture by stealing money and stock to open two more pharmacies, appeared in court yesterday.

Comfort Tanaka Gutu (28) appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa, charged with fraud. 

The State consented to US$500 bail and he was also ordered to surrender his passport. He returns to court on July 29, pending finalisation of investigations. The complainant is Mrs Sibusisiwe Melody Mutendi.

Prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti alleged that sometime in 2021, the complainant entered into an agreement with Gutu to set up a pharmacy named Medlife in Gokwe. 

As such, a partnership agreement was drafted and stated that Mrs Mutendi was to fund the whole project, but as for shares, she was to get 49 percent whilst Gutu got 51 percent. The complainant injected US$19 000 through a transfer into Gutu’s account. 

The business commenced well, but after three years, it declined. Mrs Mutendi carried out investigations and discovered that Gutu had opened two other competing pharmacies, namely Nu Centre and Afrihelp, in the same area without her knowledge and approval. The accused opened the two pharmacies through drawing stock from Medlife pharmacy, thereby crippling the business. 

As such Mrs Mutendi suffered an actual prejudice of US$350 000 and nothing was recovered.