Businesspeople lose over US$25,000 to con women

Several downtown Harare businesspeople have reportedly lost more than US$25,000 to two suspected con artists who allegedly duped them in a series of fraudulent clothing and blanket supply deals.

The two women, identified as Fortunate Lambukeni and Millicent Mashongamhende, are said to have operated under various aliases and through multiple WhatsApp groups, posing as reliable suppliers of imported goods from neighbouring countries.

According to the victims, the pair's fraudulent activities have left some business owners facing severe financial strain, with a few reportedly forced to close their shops after losing significant amounts of money over the past three months.

Millicent, who also goes by the name Mirirai Chaurika, is alleged to have posed as a supplier of blankets and baby wear, while Fortunate-known in trading circles as "Boss Lady Wholesalers"-operates from the corner of Angwa Street and Robson Manyika Avenue, specialising in clothes and blankets.

One of the victims, Alex Kari, told H-Metro that he lost a total of US$17,000 in July after being lured into paying for goods that were never delivered.

"I lost money to two ladies who operate as runners in the Central Business District," Kari said. "Fortunate duped me of US$9,000 and later introduced me to Millicent, who took another US$8,000. After I confronted them about the goods, they started avoiding me and blocked my calls."

Kari said the pair later took him to someone they claimed was their lawyer, who also became evasive when pressed for answers.

When contacted for comment, Fortunate Lambukeni declined to respond to questions, while efforts to reach Millicent Mashongamhende were unsuccessful.

The matter has reportedly been referred to the authorities for investigation as more victims come forward.