Court Reporter
FORMER Mutare Bottling Company manager, Mr Tariro Maringapasi who was convicted for allegedly siphoning US$76 000 from his employer by a Mutare magistrate two years ago was recently acquitted by the High Court.
Mr Maringapasi together with a colleague, Thabo Mpofu were found guilty of 14 counts of fraud after a full trial by then Mutare senior magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.
They were sentenced to five years imprisonment.
However, Mr Mahwe set aside one year of the sentence for five years on condition of condition of good behaviour.
An additional three years were set also aside on condition that the duo reinstitutes Mutare Bottling Company $38 000 each.
The remaining one year was set aside on condition that they perform 240 hours of community service.
However, Mutare High Court judges, Justices Jester Charewa and Isaac Muzenda acquitted Mr Maringapasi early this year.
In their ruling the two judges, stated: “The appeal be and is thereby allowed. The order of the court a quo is set aside and substituted with the following; ‘The court finds the accused not guilty and is acquitted. The complainant is ordered to reimburse appellant the restitution appellant paid.”
Mr Cosmas Chibaya of Chibaya and Partners appeared for Mr Maringapasi, while Ms Jane-Rose Matsikidze appeared for the State.