By Ndinatsei Mavodza
Masvingo – A 35-year-old car dealer, Romeo Karonga, has been granted bail of US$300 after appearing in court for allegedly defrauding Zanu PF Councillor Benson Hwata of US$56,600 in a car deal.
Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura granted bail under strict conditions, including residing in Masvingo, weekly police reporting, and non-interference with investigations and state witnesses.
Karonga will be back in court on November 18 for continuation of trial.
Karonga, who operates in Masvingo, appeared in court facing fraud charges involving the Ward 2 Masvingo City Council representative.
The court heard that the case stems from a transaction beginning in October 2023, when Councillor Hwata paid Karonga for two motor vehicles, a Nissan UD80 and a JCB excavator.
The pattern involved repeated requests for additional payments without any vehicles being delivered.
The state alleges that an initial US$47,000 was paid for purchase and transportation from South Africa, followed by US$2,600 requested for painting the Nissan UD80 and fuel costs in October, and another US$7,000 for ZIMRA duty fees in November.
After receiving the total US$56 600, Karonga failed to deliver any vehicle to Councillor Hwata.
The state had opposed bail, arguing the offence’s seriousness and Karonga’s position in the motor business made him likely to reoffend. The court also heard Karonga had contacted witnesses to testify in his favour.
However, the defense lawyers successfully argued that the reasons weren’t compelling enough to deny bail.
