Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) finance manager reportedly defrauded the organization of US$77 000 by faking payments to suppliers, according to court documents filed yesterday.
When Taurai Simango (48) stood before Harare magistrate Ms. Evelyn Mashavakure charged with fraud, he was instructed not to enter a plea.
He was given a bail of $150,000 and told to continue living at the specified location while also being required to report to the CID offices once every Friday and refrain from interfering with witnesses. In order to allow for inquiry completion, the case was continued until May 4.
Mr. Trever Masuku, the EFZ general secretary, is suing on behalf of the accuser.
The EFZ serves as the governing authority for Pentecostal and Evangelical churches in Zimbabwe, and as such, it is supported by monetary subscriptions, offerings, and donations from individuals and businesses.
Simango allegedly misrepresented to the church on numerous occasions between January 30, 2020, and September 2021 that he had given money to various suppliers when in fact he had not, according to the State, headed by Mr. Zebediah Bofu. Simango created false receipts to cover up his offense, claiming to have acquired them from suppliers as evidence of payment, and presented the receipts to the ministry.
Simango’s main responsibilities included managing the finance section, providing advice to management on financial matters, producing financial documents for the management, managing all financial resources, and being an accountant.
Simango’s main responsibilities included managing the finance department, counseling management on financial matters, producing financial papers for the management, managing all financial resources, and serving as the organization’s point of contact with donor partners.
