In a shocking turn of events, former National Social Security Authority (Nssa) investment director Brian Murewa has been acquitted of fraud charges involving US$25,000. The acquittal came at the close of the State case, with Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei ruling that the State failed to prove a case against Murewa.
Murewa was accused of defrauding Nssa of US$25,000, allegedly by lying about the price of a guest house bought in Kariba. The State alleged that Murewa claimed the guest house cost US$240,000, when in fact it cost US$215,000. However, Murewa’s defense argued that he was authorized to agree on the purchase price by a board resolution and that he signed the agreement of sale with the Thokozani Family Trust.
Magistrate Ndirowei found that the State’s evidence was flawed, with conflicting witness testimonies. The court ruled that Murewa should be found not guilty and discharged at the close of the State’s case. The acquittal brings an end to the case, but raises questions about the State’s ability to prosecute complex financial crimes.
The acquittal of Murewa highlights the challenges faced by the State in proving financial crimes. It also underscores the importance of robust evidence and witness testimony in securing convictions. For now, Murewa is free to move on from the ordeal, but the case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in financial dealings
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