In a shocking turn of events, businessman Michael Gordon Smith is facing a plethora of charges, including theft, fraud, and corruptly concealing transactions. The accused allegedly swindled MA Auto Suppliers out of over US$60,000, leaving a trail of financial irregularities and deceit.
According to key witness Mike Asher, representing MA Auto Suppliers, Smith masterminded a plan with his accomplice Tony Oatley in South Africa to defraud the company. Asher discovered the scheme upon his return from Australia, where he had been stranded due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
Several email conversations and WhatsApp audios retrieved by the Police Cyber Unit revealed Smith’s involvement in the fraudulent activities. The evidence showed that Smith:
– Imported two tents using MA Auto Suppliers’ resources and sold them to Ms. Horsley for US$1,800, diverting the payment to his personal offshore account.
– Used company funds to import a Station Wagon Rear Bumper and RHS carrier, with the customer paying R77,112 directly into Mant Procurement’s FNB account.
– Sold a Toyota Land Cruiser 78 series for US$13,000, but only US$5,500 was recorded in company accounts, with US$7,500 diverted for personal use.
Asher testified about the discovery of the scheme and the financial irregularities. He also tendered evidence revealing Smith’s alleged misappropriation of company funds and assets.
Finance Manager Christine Vellah testified about the difficulties in maintaining accurate financial records due to incomplete information submitted by Smith. She revealed troubling financial activities linked to Mant Procurement, in which Smith held a 50% stake.
Under cross-examination, Vellah stated, “Mant Procurement funneled company funds without rendering legitimate or tangible services.”
IT expert Takudzwa Honye testified about downloading data from MA Auto Suppliers’ Microsoft account. He stated, “On 15 September 2023, our client requested Frampol to print some specific emails from the emails downloaded on 07 November 2023. And then printed the emails as per client’s request in the presence of Christine Vellah and Michael Scot Asher of MA Auto Suppliers (Pvt) Ltd and the Investigating Officer Detective Assistant Inspector Samaneka of CID Commercial Crimes Division.”
Anthony Norman Bown detailed his transaction with Smith for a Toyota Land Cruiser rear bumper and spare wheel carrier. He stated, “I approached Gob-X and they referred me to MA Auto as their Zimbabwean agent. I then approached MA Auto and talked to the accused. The accused gave me the price and I requested to pay using my South Africa ABSA Bank account. The accused then gave me Mant Procurement (Pty) Ltd FNB account 62940151559 and asked me to deposit the money into that account.”
Smith faces multiple charges, including:
– Two counts of theft of trust property
– 12 counts of fraud
– 25 counts of corruptly concealing transactions from his principal
The case has been remanded to June 2, 2025, for the magistrate to deliver her judgment on Smith’s discharge application.
Smith’s lawyer, Takudzwa Nyambira, will argue for his client’s discharge at the close of the state case. However, the prosecution’s evidence suggests a strong case against Smith.
The court’s decision on June 2, 2025, will determine Smith’s fate. Will he be held accountable for his alleged crimes, or will he walk free? The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: justice will be served.
source – Zimeye
