Two former employees of Varun Beverages have been accused of stealing US$305,790 from the Pepsi bottler through a fraudulent scheme involving falsified sales records and misappropriated funds, the Harare Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday.
Elvis Muzvidziwa, 33, a former driver, and Vitalis Masikati, 32, a former assistant accountant, allegedly orchestrated the elaborate fraud between June 1 and July 6, 2023. Prosecutors claim the pair instructed sales agents to sell beverages at a reduced price of US$6.50 per case, instead of the official price of US$7.
It is alleged that while the official selling price was US$7, Muzvidziwa and others sold cases at US$6.50, directing the proceeds to the accused. The funds were reportedly converted to RTGS and deposited into the company’s accounts, where manipulated figures totaling ZWL $1.83 billion were recorded.
The fraud came to light during an external audit conducted by Crowe Chartered Accountants. Investigators discovered US$23,007 hidden in Muzvidziwa’s wardrobe and seized US$76,804 from Masikati’s home.
The two men are also accused of using stolen funds to purchase a Toyota Hiace van and a Toyota Axio, valued at US$15,800.
Prosecutor Ngoni Kaseke told the court that the case was supported by witness testimony. On Monday, former salesperson Millicent Sithole testified that Muzvidziwa had instructed her to sell beverages at discounted rates and assured her that he would balance her accounts.
During cross-examination, the defense challenged Sithole’s testimony, questioning the direct link between the accused and the crime.
Both Muzvidziwa and Masikati deny the charges. Prosecutor Kaseke revealed that four more witnesses are expected to testify, strengthening the case against the defendants.
The trial, presided over by Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa, is set to continue.
