Money laundering trial resumes

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

Yeukai Karengezeka, Court Correspondent

The trial of Dennis Madondo, a 33-year-old man from Murehwa facing charges of using illicit money to buy a car and possessing large sums of unexplained cash, resumed yesterday.

Madondo was acquitted of involvement in a US$2,7 million armed robbery at ZB Bank in 2021.

Now, he faces accusations of using illicit proceeds to acquire property.

Prosecutor Mr Ngoni Kaseke presented evidence from the investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Maruziva.

During the proceedings, Det Ass Insp Maruziva revealed that Madondo claimed to have amassed US$62 500 over eight years (2013 to January 2021) through various income streams.  However, he said Madondo’s revenue generation lacked documentation.

“There is no trail to demonstrate how he acquired the funds,” Det Asst Insp Maruziva said,  noting that Madondo could not provide any records of his alleged mining activities.

Furthermore, Det Asst Insp Maruziva dismissed Madondo’s claims that he bought the Mercedes Benz in question before the armed robbery, asserting that police records indicate the car was acquired in 2021 using proceeds from criminal activities.

He concluded that Madondo’s financial sources suggested illegal origins.

During cross-examination, Det Asst Insp Maruziva explained that despite Madondo being in remand prison during interviews, he had the legal right to request evidence to support his claims.

“He could have instructed his legal team to obtain the necessary documentation,” Det Asst Insp Maruziva argued.

The court heard that Madondo failed to provide any company papers or tax clearance certificates for his purported vehicle trading, mining syndicate, or farming business in Murehwa.

After presenting his findings, Det Asst Insp Maruziva expressed confidence in the thoroughness of his investigation.

After the prosecution closed its case, defence attorney Mr Austin Muzivi applied for Madondo’s discharge.

A ruling is expected on February 24 before presiding magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere.