TELECEL’S US$1.7 million fraud claims last week took a new twist with police saying the mobile operator had not made any report despite a glut of public statements on the matter. The fraud was reportedly detected by MD Aimable Mpore, a DRC-born Canadian citizen who has since had his work permit cancelled by Zimbabwean authorities.

The country’s second biggest mobile operator had said it had detected the fraud where some unnamed employees allegedly issued recharge cards and starter packs using manual invoices, a method long banned by the company.

Last week, Telecel said it had convened a disciplinary hearing against staff involved in the fraud and that police had been alerted. “The matter has been handed over to the police for further investigations,” the mobile operator said in a statement.

“The company has taken the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such fraud.”

But the police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) last week said no report had been made.

“As police detectives charged with the duty of investigating serious fraud cases we have not yet received any report from Telecel involving the fraudulent issuing of recharge cards and starter packs,” said Augustine Zimbili, the CID spokesperson.

“If they did report the matter to any police establishment we are yet to have it referred to us.”

Police spokesperson, Jessie Banda had referred Standardbusiness to the fraud section for a comment.

Tobias Jack, Telecel’s acting MD told Standardbusiness: “There is no comment from our side.”

Telecel is dogged by infighting over the control of the company pitting the two shareholders — Telecel International and Empowerment Corporation.

Empowerment Corporation, a consortium of local business investors argues that it should have a say in key appointments at the mobile operator.

Telecel is owned 60% by Telecel International and 40% by the Empowerment Corporation of Zimbabwe.

Telecel International is in turn 100% owned by Orascom Telecom, an Egyptian conglomerate listed on the Cairo and London stock exchanges.

BY OUR STAFF

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