Zimbabwean banker's 5 cars seized as cops probe US$2,3m fraud case

A banker accused of manipulating the banking system he was entrusted to protect and creating fake accounts to swindle his employer of approximately US$2.3 million has had his fleet of five vehicles seized as part of ongoing investigations.

Cletas Tonderai Nyakambiro, 38, who worked as an Internal Control Officer at Standard Chartered Bank, has already appeared in court, while his alleged accomplice, Candrink Kupakuwana of Mainway Meadows in Harare, remains at large.

Nyakambiro, who claims to have studied at the University of South Africa, presents himself on social media as a family man devoted to his twin children, with posts showing a fondness for beer and enjoying life.

The vehicles impounded by the police include a Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Aqua, Land Rover, and a Mercedes Benz S280.

According to Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the crime dates back three years. "On September 27, 2022, the accused, employed as an Internal Control Officer at a renowned bank, conspired with his accomplice, who remains at large, to open two fraudulent bank accounts," she explained.

In their scheme, the duo altered the intended tax beneficiary account details and diverted funds into these fraudulent accounts, which they then misappropriated for personal gain. The bank suffered losses totaling US$2,293,483.84 and ZWL514,735.41.

"The police have recovered 10 movable properties, including the five vehicles, as proceeds of crime," Detective Inspector Muteweri added.

Nyakambiro appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka and Public Prosecutor Kudakwashe Muza on May 24, 2025. Meanwhile, police continue to search for Kupakuwana, whose known address is 2751 Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare.