MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Two Mega Market truck drivers appeared in court today for stealing ferro chrome consignment worth more than US$25 000.
The ferro chrome consignment was for export to China.
Brian Maudzwa and Zakaria Mutondori both from Mutare pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Gweru Provincial Magistrate, Tendai Killian Mahwe.
Appearing for the state, Prosecutor Taurai Mavuto told the court that on 22 of February 2022, Maudzwa and Mutondori were on duty driving Mega Market Renault trucks.
He said the duo proceeded to Xinyu Company located at Heavy industrial sites in Gweru where both trucks were loaded with 27 tonnes of ferro chrome to be transported to Mega Market in Mutare enroute to China.
The court heard that after the trucks were loaded with the chrome, security seals were placed on the containers and the two drove their respective trucks from Xinyu premises upon signing the loading sheet at the weighbridge.
“Whilst in Gweru, the two parked their respective trucks and tempered with the security seals of the consignments where Maudzwa offloaded 10.2 tonnes worth US$12 389.00 and Mutondori offloaded 10.56 tonnes worth US$12 826.78 of ferro chrome,” said Mavuto.
He added that the chrome was not recovered.
Mavuto said the matter came to light after Mega Market received an email from Mediterranean Shipping company stating that there was a short fall on the received consignment.
The two were represented by Tatenda Zishiri of Kwande Legal Practitioners.
The matter was postponed to 13 July for continuation of trial.
