$70 000 fraud probe at United Refineries

POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating a fraud case involving two United Refineries Limited (URL) employees who have since been suspended for allegedly defrauding the company of $70 000.

The two were suspended last month to pave way for investigations.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed receiving a report on the matter saying investigations were in progress. The two suspects were not immediately named. “We are investigating a fraud case involving two employees suspected to have defrauded URL of $70 000. We have not yet arrested the two but investigations are underway,” said Insp Simango.

She said she could not reveal further information as that would compromise investigations.

A source close to the investigations said the duo created a briefcase company which they allegedly used to siphon the company’s resources.

“It seems part of their duties was to approve tenders for the supply of materials to the company. Instead of contracting companies to provide the materials, they created a briefcase company to supply the required materials and inflated the prices.

“They inflated the prices of materials supplied by their briefcase company thereby prejudicing URL. This resulted in the company instituting investigations leading to their suspension,” said the source.—@ nqotshili