A DIRECTOR with a mining company has been arrested and arraigned before the courts facing a charge of fraudulently transferring ownership of his late partner in the firm.
The fraud case according to the State involves US$5 million.
Christopher Chibwana (51) appeared before Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere being charged with two counts of fraud and one of perjury.
He was remanded in custody to today pending bail ruling.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that the deceased, Stephen Chiparawasha, owned a mining claim called Ascot Mine 20 in Norton and after his death in 2012, Chibwana fraudulently changed the mine’s ownership.
Chirenje alleged that Chibwana transferred the mining claim from MAWK (Pvt) Ltd where Chiparawasha was a shareholder to JnYang Htson MAWK (Pvt) Ltd where his late co-director did not have shares.
The court heard that Chibwana used a fraudulent special power of attorney in November 2016 and authorised the transfer of the mining certificate to his company.
Chirenje further alleged that on October 11 , 2018 and January 28, 2020, Chibwana manufactured a fake CR14 for MAWK Mining Development Company appointing himself company secretary.
- Mining director up for US$5m fraud
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Farai Chikwekwete, Chirenje said, had been appointed the company secretary on December 2, 2016.
The prosecutor further alleged that after making the false appointment, Chibwana allegedly filed the fake CR14 with the Registrar of Companies.
He allegedly filed a new set of CR14 forms in which he appointed two directors in September and October, 2018, respectively.
On the perjury charge, Chibwana on June 8, 2021 allegedly took an oath and deposed an affidavit before the High Court in an attempt to defraud the late Chiparawasha’s estate.
He allegedly sought an interdict barring Chiparawasha’s estate and all his associates at Ascot 20 mining claim from the mining location.
He also allegedly submitted the fake CR14 form.
