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Zimbabwean man in court for defrauding Defence deputy minister
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A 29-year-old man from Maglas Township in Zvishavane, Midlands Province, appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday facing a fraud charge after allegedly defrauding Zimbabwe's Defence Deputy Minister, Levy Mayihlome, in a Ponzi scheme.
Austin Tafireyi was granted bail set at US$100 by Harare resident magistrate Dennis Mangosi. He will return to court on December 6, 2024, for further proceedings.
According to the State, Tafireyi contacted Mayihlome via Facebook on September 14, 2024, posing as Zodwa Mkandla, an online forex trader. He allegedly misrepresented himself as a successful trader, claiming to have made significant profits through online trading and encouraging the deputy minister to invest in the same venture for quick financial rewards.
Although initially skeptical, Mayihlome eventually agreed to invest after repeated persuasion from Tafireyi. On September 22, 2024, Mayihlome sent US$200 via the InnBucks platform to one Gilbert Mukombe, who was reportedly involved in the scheme.
Two days later, Tafireyi contacted Mayihlome, claiming that he had made a US$5,300 profit from the initial investment. He encouraged the deputy minister to invest more money to double the returns.
Subsequently, Mayihlome transferred US$650 via InnBucks directly to Tafireyi. However, the deputy minister grew suspicious after being asked to send an additional US$365, which led him to question the legitimacy of the transaction.
Tafireyi was arrested on October 31, 2024, and was found in possession of a cellphone that he allegedly used to carry out the fraudulent scheme. The court was informed that Mayihlome suffered a financial loss of US$850 in the scam, and no funds were recovered.
Tafireyi's case has raised concerns over online fraud and Ponzi schemes, prompting calls for more vigilance in digital investment platforms. The case will continue in December, where further investigations and hearings are expected.
Austin Tafireyi was granted bail set at US$100 by Harare resident magistrate Dennis Mangosi. He will return to court on December 6, 2024, for further proceedings.
According to the State, Tafireyi contacted Mayihlome via Facebook on September 14, 2024, posing as Zodwa Mkandla, an online forex trader. He allegedly misrepresented himself as a successful trader, claiming to have made significant profits through online trading and encouraging the deputy minister to invest in the same venture for quick financial rewards.
Although initially skeptical, Mayihlome eventually agreed to invest after repeated persuasion from Tafireyi. On September 22, 2024, Mayihlome sent US$200 via the InnBucks platform to one Gilbert Mukombe, who was reportedly involved in the scheme.
Subsequently, Mayihlome transferred US$650 via InnBucks directly to Tafireyi. However, the deputy minister grew suspicious after being asked to send an additional US$365, which led him to question the legitimacy of the transaction.
Tafireyi was arrested on October 31, 2024, and was found in possession of a cellphone that he allegedly used to carry out the fraudulent scheme. The court was informed that Mayihlome suffered a financial loss of US$850 in the scam, and no funds were recovered.
Tafireyi's case has raised concerns over online fraud and Ponzi schemes, prompting calls for more vigilance in digital investment platforms. The case will continue in December, where further investigations and hearings are expected.
Source - newsday
