By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Last Kings owner Shingai Levison Muringi has been sentenced to five years in prison for fraud and money laundering involving US$85 000.
Muringi appeared before Harare Magistrate Patricia Kumwanda, where he pleaded for a wholly suspended sentence through his lawyer, Claude Bere.
He told the court that he is an orphan at 34 years old and the breadwinner for six relatives, including his grandmother and his late father’s brother. He said he was remorseful and willing to repay the complainant.
However, State prosecutor Lynnet Gwarisa opposed a suspended sentence, saying Muringi had abused the trust of the court by repeatedly failing to attend proceedings.
“The accused abused the trust given to him by the courts as he disappeared several times and played tricks to avoid appearing before the court,” Gwarisa said.
On the day of sentencing (today), Muringi failed to appear on time, claiming he was seeking medical attention at Harare Remand Prison Hospital. He was later brought to court by police, well after his scheduled appearance, and asked for more time while waiting for his lawyer.
In 2023, the complainant, Tembinkosi Chigongwa of Rakbury Enterprises Limited, reported that Muringi reversed a fuel payment of US$85 000 that had been deposited into Rakbury’s FNB Zambia account.
On 19 July 2023, Rakbury was contacted by Philip Nyamadzawo, a director of Northamann Capital (Private) Limited, who was looking for US$85 000 on behalf of Muringi for the purchase of diesel. The arrangement was that an equivalent amount would be deposited into Rakbury’s FNB account in Zambia.
On 21 July 2023, Muringi transferred US$85 000 into Rakbury’s FNB Zambia account. Acting on proof of payment, Rakbury released the cash in three batches: US$25 000 on July 22, US$50 000 on July 24, and US$10 000 on July 25.
However, on July 27, FNB Zambia notified Rakbury that the US$85 000 transaction had been reversed under Muringi’s instructions. The court heard that Muringi later used the money to purchase a Toyota Hilux (registration number AGE 2352).
On the first count, Muringi was sentenced to five years in prison. One year was suspended on condition of good behaviour, and another year was suspended on condition that he restitutes US$85 000 to the complainant by 31 May 2026. He will serve three years effectively.
On the second count, he was sentenced to 48 months. Twelve months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. He will serve 24 months on this count.
The sentences will run concurrently.
The court also ordered that the Toyota Hilux (registration number AGE 2352) be forfeited to the State.
