Former Deputy Minister Bright Matonga granted bail

Count 1: Unauthorized Removal of Tractors

On December 10, 2021, Matonga allegedly appropriated two John Deere tractors from Monchris (Landos) farm in Sealous without permission. The tractors, valued at US$70,000, were relocated to his own property, Chigwell farm in Chegutu. Fortunately, both tractors have been recovered.

Count 2: Joint Theft with Employee

Matonga, along with his employee Wisili Wisili, faces charges related to a joint venture agreement with Talbec Investments Pvt Ltd, represented by David Leonard Van Breda. This agreement, established on February 19, 2016, permitted the complainant to utilize the Chigwell farm for 15 years.

Talbec Investments equipped the farm with machinery worth US$414,888 and operated there for six years. However, on December 11, 2021, Matonga allegedly expelled the complainant’s employees, leaving behind all their equipment and consumables.

Theft of Farming Equipment

In December 2021, it is alleged that Matonga and Wisili instructed Chigwell Farm staff to open the warehouse and load the complainant’s farming equipment onto vehicles. These items were transported to an undisclosed location. Wisili has been granted bail of US$100.

ALSO READ: Man Accused Of US$3 Million Fraud Commits Suicide At Accuser’s House