MILLICENT HUNGWE
HARARE-The directors of Gray Homes Construction, Annavestah Mudiwa and Gray Mudiwa, were denied bail when they appeared before Harare regional Magistrate Donald Ndirowei on fraud and misrepresentation charges.
Magistrate Ndirowei ruled that the couple are a flight risk and could abscond, as they were arrested at the Beitbridge border post while attempting to flee to South Africa.
The duo was remanded in custody until September 23.
According to court documents, Annavestah and Gray misrepresented to various companies that they had agreements with the Government of Zimbabwe to secure goods, including phones and hardware materials.
However, they allegedly failed to settle the bills, leaving the companies with significant losses.
The court heard that the couple allegedly defrauded Marondera businessman Anyway Choto of $105,963 for the construction of a warehouse and storage facility that was never completed.
They are further accused of defrauding the Director of Virtuetrade Petroleum, Never Tembo, the sum of $390,000 for the construction of a double-story house.
Additionally, the two are accused of misrepresenting themselves as government officials to fraudulently obtain phones from Creative Itel Private Limited and hardware goods worth $40,860 from Overexport Southern Africa Private Limited.
They also allegedly duped Osborn Tinokura Kudyanyemba of Collare Investments of goods worth $31,723.
The state counsel said the duo’s actions have resulted in substantial losses for the affected companies and individuals, hence should remain in custody.
