Court Reporter
The Deputy Registrar of the High Court of Botswana, who was facing fraud charges for fraudulently auctioning a house belonging to a Harare woman, has been acquitted. Jacob Manzunzu (52) was facing a fraud charge involving more than US$150 000.
It was alleged that he committed the offence between 2000 and 2003 while he was still working in Zimbabwe as the Registrar and Sheriff of the High Court of Zimbabwe.
Harare magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa cleared Manzunzu on the charge after the prosecution failed to prove a solid case against him.
In his judgment, Mr Tsikwa said since Manzunzu was employed as the sheriff of the High Court, there was no way he could have misrepresented to himself.
“The complainant was not given the title deeds by Adelino Bento, the director of Inchdale Investments (Pvt) Ltd who was the owner of the house.
“The complainant was cheated by Mr Bento who did not surrender the title deeds at the time of the sale of the house.
“The complainant must seek redress at the civil courts and must claim the money which he paid to Mr Bento,” ruled Mr Tsikwa.