The trio purported to be retired soldiers before using fake documents to open the account. The fake account was only uncovered following a tip off.
David Mubulelo Honono (49) was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest by Harare magistrate Mr Adonia Masawi after failing to turn up for his trial, with his two accomplices still on the run.
Prosecutor Mr Liberty Gono alleged that on June 30 last year, Honono, of number 1047 Lusaka Lines, Highfield in Harare, teamed up with his two accomplices and the trio went to CBZ Chinhoyi Branch and misrepresented that they were members of the Zimbabwe National Army from Inkomo Barracks.
They further lied that they had been authorised to open a ZNA Imprest Account after presenting a fake ZNA date stamp. They also presented a fake application letter with a fake ZNA letterhead written by Major M. Magarasei who does not exist.
Subsequently, an account number 09823919210014 was opened in the name of Zimbabwe National Army Imprest account. The trio presented fake national identity cards in the names of Herbert Tichaona, Stephen Nyamururu and Samson Phiri, respectively.
They also submitted passport size photographs and fake proof of residence indicating that they all resided at Inkomo Barracks.
It is alleged that on July 4, the trio went to the bank with a fake letter from the Ministry of Finance instructing CBZ to transfer US$127 000 from its account to the ZNA Imprest account.
The following day, Honono proceeded to CBZ and withdrew US$63 000 and another US$61 600 five days later.
The offence came to light after the bank received a tip off, leading to internal investigations.
The bank lost US$124 600 and nothing was recovered.
Source:The Herald
