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Chipo Sabeta Senior Reporter
A Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development official who stole diesel coupons meant for the Command Agriculture Programme has been sentenced to an effective 350 hours of community service. John Chiroisimba (48) was co-accused with a student on attachment, Primrose Dzotsa (25).

He stole 1 800 litres of diesel coupons worth $2 268 which he converted to his own use. Dzotsa was acquitted since she was following instructions without knowing they were criminal. Chiroisimba had 10 months of his 30-month sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour with another 10 months set aside on condition that he restitutes the Ministry of Agriculture by March 30 next year.

Chiroisimba, who was represented by Ms Rumbidzai Mang ondo of Pundu and Associates had the remaining 10 months suspended on condition that he performs 350 hours of community service. Chiroisimba denied the fraud charges when he first appeared before Chinhoyi Magistrate Ms Jessie Kufa. However, the State managed to prove beyond reasonable doubt after a full trial that he was guilty.

However, Dzotsa who was represented by lawyer Mr Charles Matarutse of Matarutse and Associates was discharged at the close of the State case. Magistrate Ms Kufa noted that Dzotsa who is a student at the Institute of Administration and Commerce in Harare was merely acting on Chiroisimba’s instructions as her superior. She would sign some of the invoices on his instructions.

In passing sentence, Ms Kufa also noted with concern instances of impropriety by some Ministry of Agriculture officials resulting in the disappearance of inputs. The State, led by Mr Arthur Bosha proved that on April 24, Chiroisimba and Dzotsa were distributing inputs to Command Agriculture beneficiaries. Chiroisimba’s duties included issuing fuel coupons to farmers. Proven facts were that Chiroisimba would steal fuel coupons meant for the Command Agriculture winter wheat programme.

It was proved that Chiroisimba misrepresented that they had released 1 800 litres of diesel, serial number (700407206-700407214), to Rungano Richard (ID 70-864912M-71), with a purported contract number 14/ 05 /02 /7W60. It turned out that the said person does not exist. The fuel coupons were authorised and released on order form serial number 007015A dated April 20. Chiroisimba was arrested when the offence was exposed on May 4.