allegations of swindling US$10 000 from the local authority.
The money was part of US$30 000 received by council after it leased property to businessman Danny Kasuku-were to augment its cash-inflows.
Joseph Farai Gwelo (37) pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Mashonaland Central regional magistrate Ms Ruramai Chitumbura last Thursday. Gwelo was remanded out of custody to February 18 on US$100 bail.
The State, represented by Mr Nicholas Danga, alleged that on August 2 last year, Gwelo, council chairman Gilbert Jonga and council finance chairman Ekem Mpofu entered a lease agreement with Kasukuwere, who owns Haingate Agro Equipment.
It is the State’s case that Kasukuwere paid US$30 000 for lease of equipment, and Gwelo was entrusted by Mpofu and Jonga to hand over the money to council.
Gwelo is alleged to have only handed over US$20 000 to council treasurer Blessing Nyamunokora.
Mr Danga said Haingate Agro Equipment requested a receipt for the US$30 000 payment but was told that only US$20 000 had been received.
Nyamunokora and assistant executive finance officer Tassisus Muzivi then quizzed Gwelo on the missing US$10 000 and he said he had left it at Haingate Agro Equipment and would collect it after finalisation of a labour issue that was at the High Court, it is alleged.
A police report was made leading to Gwelo’s arrest. — CR.