Shingi Munyeza loses US$4,930 in chrome deal scam

Businessman Shingi Munyeza is counting his losses after falling victim to a con artist who posed as an agent for ZimAlloys in a fraudulent chrome deal. Munyeza lost a total of US$4,930 in the scam, which has since led to legal action.

The accused, Simbarashe Elvis Kariwo, was remanded in custody on Saturday after appearing in court for his alleged role in the deception. The case has been postponed to Friday for further proceedings, with Kariwo facing charges of fraud.

According to the police, the incident unfolded on June 10 at Samatsatsa Complex in Harare, where Kariwo allegedly misrepresented himself as an agent of ZimAlloys, a well-known chrome producer. Kariwo is said to have convinced Munyeza that he was in the business of selling chrome and subsequently arranged a visit to Sutton Mine in Mutorashanga, where he introduced Munyeza to individuals posing as mine managers.

Believing Kariwo's story, Munyeza handed over US$4,930 as payment for the promised chrome. However, after waiting for the delivery, Munyeza became suspicious and decided to follow up with the mine. It was then that he discovered Kariwo was not affiliated with ZimAlloys, and the deal was a scam.

Realizing he had been duped, Munyeza filed a police report, which led to Kariwo's arrest. Polite Chikiwa appeared for the State, while Kariwo was represented by Killian Mandiki in court.

The case highlights the risks of fraudulent schemes in business transactions, especially in industries like mining. Police are continuing to investigate the matter, and Kariwo's fate will be determined in court later this week.