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Prosper Dembedza Court Correspondent

A director with ZOELOT Traders has appeared in court on allegations of defrauding Bookwest Investments of US$32 000 in a botched fuel deal.

Percy Bhunga (39) was facing theft of trust property charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga.

He was freed on $20 000 bail.

The court heard that on June 2, Bhunga approached Elson Mukandi’s wife and indicated to her that he was in possession of bulk fuel which he was selling at a wholesale price of US$1 per litre.

It is alleged that Mukandi and his wife then invited Bhunga to their house where they handed over cash amounting to US$32 000 which was for the part purchase of 40 000 litres of fuel.

The court heard that Bhunga left with the money after promising to deliver the fuel on that same day as well as collecting the outstanding balance of US$8 000 from Mukandi.

It is the State’s case that Bhunga did not deliver the fuel as promised despite efforts by Mukandi.

The court heard that Bhunga became evasive and went to cut all forms of communication with Mukandi.

A report was made to the police leading to Bhunga’s arrest.