Two miners have appeared before the courts facing allegations of orchestrating a fraudulent takeover of a mining company in a case that has reportedly exposed investors to losses of nearly US$30 million.
The accused, John Farley Pietersen (66) and Peter Mark Johnstone (58), appeared before Harare magistrate Jesse Kufa on fraud charges. They were each granted bail of US$500 and are expected to return to court next Wednesday.
According to the State, the complainant is DGL Finance Limited, a Mauritius-based firm that holds a controlling stake in All Aflame Marketing (Pvt) Ltd, the owner of the Royal Family mining claims located in Filabusi.
The company is represented by executive director David Peter Easterbrook and Allan Brent Dolan, who allegedly lost their directorships during the disputed takeover.
Prosecutors allege that the accused initiated legal proceedings under High Court case HC 5655/25 against All Aflame Marketing. It is claimed that court documents were deliberately served at the company’s former address on Plumtree Road in Bulawayo, despite the accused allegedly knowing that the business had relocated to Wolverhampton Road in Donnington.
The State argues that even after the Sheriff reportedly confirmed that the company was no longer operating from the old premises, the accused maintained that service had been properly carried out. Prosecutors further contend that the pair were fully aware of the company’s current location, having previously served legal papers there in a separate matter.
As a result, the case allegedly proceeded without opposition, leading to a default judgment in favour of the accused.
Authorities allege that the judgment was subsequently used to obtain a 57.45 percent shareholding in All Aflame Marketing, effectively placing control of the company in their hands.
The State further claims that Pietersen and Johnstone later approached the Registrar of Companies using a High Court order issued on February 5 this year. They allegedly represented that Easterbrook and Dolan had resigned as directors on May 13, paving the way for their own appointment to the board.
However, prosecutors say the court order did not authorise the removal or resignation of any directors. Based on the information submitted, company records were allegedly amended, resulting in the removal of the existing directors and the appointment of the accused.
The prosecution maintains that false representations were knowingly made to secure control of the company and its mining assets. The alleged scheme has reportedly left DGL Finance Limited and its partners facing losses estimated at approximately US$30 million.
