ZIMBABWE Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) consultant accused of attempting to swindle 2018 presidential elections candidate Joseph Busha of US$65 000 was back in court last Wednesday where she pleaded for a variation of bail conditions.
Vimbai Mushongera, 50, who is ZCTU’s consultant on social investments and developments projects, sought variation of her reporting conditions from twice to once a week in an application that was granted by Harare magistrate Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa.
“Investigations in this matter are ongoing and the State needs more time before a trial date can be availed to the accused person. We therefore seek a further postponement of the matter,” prosecutor Sabastian Mutizirwa said.
Mushongera was remanded to November 13.
Mutizirwa alleged that sometime in 2016, Mushongera was appointed trustee for JM Busha 54 Races Trust and mandated to assist the secretariat to run the affairs of the organisation.
The court heard that Mushongera was also the country representative and entitled to a sitting allowance of US$100 per sitting.
It is alleged that in March this year, Mushongera ceased being a trustee after Busha expressed displeasure at the manner she executed her duties.
Mushongera allegedly hatched a plan to defraud Busha and forged a letter of appointment purporting it had been prepared by the businessman reflecting that she was entitled to a salary of US$2 500.
She further doctored e-mails purporting they had been sent to her by Busha with an acknowledgement of a
US$65 000 debt and presented the documents to her lawyers.
The documents were used to compile a letter of demand by Mushongera’s lawyers which was sent to Busha.
When Busha went through the documents he discovered the offence and filed a police report leading to Mushongera’s arrest.
