BINDURA – Bindura mayor Jacob Gwature has been arrested for alleged fraud, adding to the growing number of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) politicians being targeted for alleged offences.
In a statement Saturday, police announced they have also arrested one Jonathan Kapasi, charged with the same offence.
According to police, Gwatura and Kapasi defrauded United Kingdom based Kitchen Table Charities Trust of 5,000 British pounds which was meant for borehole drilling in Zimbabwe.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Bindura Town Council Mayor, Jacob Gwature, 39, and his accomplice Jonathan Kapasi, 49, in connection with a fraud case where Kitchen Table Charities Trust, based in United Kingdom, lost 5,000 British pounds which is equivalent to US$6,970,” police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
“Kitchen Table Charities Trust engaged the suspects in January 2021 through their purported company, Pamhodzi Rainbow Network in Zimbabwe, to drill a borehole and install a solar system to power the borehole at stand number 1305 Budiriro 1, Harare.”
Police said Misheck Mlambo deposited the money into the two’s bank account and later withdrawn but never used for drilling the borehole.
“Misheck Mlambo, 38, representing Kitchen Table Charities Trust, deposited the money in the suspects’ local bank account.
“The suspects later withdrew the money and did not drill the borehole as has been agreed,” Nyathi said.
The two have since appeared in court facing the charges and were remanded in custody to 26 September 2023 for a bail hearing.
Gwature’s arrest follows those of several other CCC politicians for different alleged offences.
Those who have been targeted for the arrests include legislators Ostallos Siziba (Pelandaba-Tshabalala), Maureen Kademaunga (Sunningdale), Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe and Chirumanzu constituency losing candidate in just ended elections Patrick Cheza.
Cheza was arrested together with some CCC activists.
