Phionah Riekert Accused of Abduction Over Mattress Deal
Riekert subcontracted Paul Masunda to manufacture the mattresses which were later rejected by hospital officials due to quality issues.
Phionah Riekert Accused of Abduction Over Mattress Deal
Harare, Zimbabwe – A prominent Zimbabwean businesswoman, Phionah Riekert, has found herself embroiled in a legal battle, facing serious charges of robbery and abduction linked to a disputed mattress supply contract for Bindura Provincial Hospital.
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Riekert and her alleged accomplice, Innocent Chiwara, spent the weekend in remand prison before appearing in court yesterday. They were each granted US$400 bail by regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
The charges stem from a government contract Riekert secured last month to supply 90 mattresses to the hospital. She subcontracted Paul Masunda to manufacture the items, but the mattresses were later rejected by hospital officials due to quality issues, including a lack of waterproofing.
Phionah Riekert Accused of Abduction Over Mattress Deal
Following the rejection, Riekert allegedly returned the mattresses to Masunda, who promised to rectify the problems. However, on October 18, a confrontation ensued at Masunda’s home. Riekert and Chiwara, reportedly driving a yellow, South African-registered Hummer, arrived at Masunda’s residence.
According to court documents, Riekert demanded Masunda’s car keys, which were handed over to Chiwara. Subsequently, two unregistered Toyota Land Cruisers arrived, and Masunda was forcibly taken to High Glen Shopping Centre, where Riekert allegedly assaulted him.
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Masunda reported the incident to the police, leading to the recovery of his car from Riekert’s office. The case is being prosecuted by Anesu Chirenje, and Riekert and Chiwara face serious charges, including robbery and assault.
