Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
An  Air Zimbabwe Holdings assistant accountant yesterday appeared in court on allegations of defrauding the airline of US$124 000 after misappropriating 131 000 litres in fuel coupons.
Mind Bere (37) of number 8718 25th Road Glen View 8, Harare appeared before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing theft of trust property charges.

Bere was remanded to May 8 on US$100 bail and ordered not to acquire travelling documents, to report once every week at CID Serious Frauds and not to interfere with investigation pending finalisation of the matter.

The court heard that Bere’s duties as an assistant accountant included keeping and distributing fuel coupons to Air Zimbabwe employees and subsidiary companies.

Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mashavira alleged that between February 2008 and August 2009, Air Zimbabwe purchased bulk fuel and fuel coupons from various suppliers including Redan.

The fuel was for company use and fuel coupons were given to Air Zimbabwe employees as fringe benefits while other coupons were used to pay creditors.

It is alleged that Airzim purchased 1 006 540 litres worth of coupons from Redan and Bere kept them, but he allegedly stole 131 000 litres worth of the fuel coupons valued at US$124 450.

In an effort to cover up the alleged offence, Bere recorded coupon serial numbers on the distribution sheet to more than one beneficiary.

The offence was discovered in August 2009 when substantial shortfalls were discovered by internal auditors.

An audit was carried out confirming that the airline was prejudiced of 131 000 litres of fuel coupons worth US$124 450 and nothing was recovered.

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