Ex-NetOne cashier’s girlfriend sues ZACC over seized top of the range vehicles
Former NetOne employee, Daniel Kalira’s girlfriend has dragged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to court for confiscating her four vehicles as collateral following the arrest of the former cashier on fraud related charges.
Kalira, 39, was arrested last year on allegations of stealing ZW$150 million worth of airtime from his employer.
Following his arrest, ZACC seized his three Mercedes Benz vehicles and one Toyota Hilux claiming they were bought using crime proceeds.
His girlfriend Charlotte Chavavarirwa has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking to recover the cars which she claimed, in fact, belonged to her.
Chavavarirwa said she needed the vehicles urgently because she uses them to ferry her children to school.
She also said her business was on the verge of collapse after its mode of transport to run operations has been taken away from her.
Chavavarirwa said she has now been reduced to a pedestrian as a result of the seizure of the vehicles.
High Court Judge, Neville Wamambo dismissed her application, ruling that there was nothing harmful about being a pedestrian.
“I find that applicant being rendered a pedestrian is not irredeemable harm. She can seek alternative transport in the meanwhile,” said the judge.
“Damage to the said vehicles while in the custody of a government entity is improbable.
“I am mindful that there are rules, regulations and procedures aimed at preserving property lawfully seized.
“The same would apply to the issue of compensation in any case if so advised nothing can stop applicant from suing the relevant government entity if damage is visited upon the vehicles…in the circumstances, I found no urgency to the matter,” ruled the judge.
According to ZACC, investigations established that Kalira would steal from the mobile network operator through an airtime voucher scam committed over a period of two years.
Kalira was arrested after concerned associates tipped the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
During the period, his lifestyle had reportedly changed, raising suspicions among those in his circles that he could have been using criminal proceeds to finance his surprise lavish way of life.
The cashier was now owner of a Toyota GD6 twin cab, three Mercedes Benz vehicles and two BMW sedans.
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