Maskiri arrested over goat sale scam

Chitungwiza police have arrested popular rapper Maskiri in a case linked to the sale of goats, continuing a troubling trend in Zimbabwe where the word "GOAT" has become synonymous with legal disputes.

Maskiri, who has recently ventured into goat-rearing and promoted imported Boer Kalahari Red breeds on social media, is accused of defrauding a US-based Zimbabwean, Tonderai Chisoro, of US$1,500. Chisoro claimed he had sent the money through Mukuru in three separate transactions to purchase goats for his family's pen back home, but deliveries never materialised. Attempts to contact Maskiri were unsuccessful, prompting relatives in Zimbabwe to file a police report (CR559/11/25).

Police reportedly used a sting operation to lure Maskiri. Officers, posing as organisers of a birthday party, arranged for him to perform and agreed on a US$300 fee. Maskiri even promised to bring fellow artist Tererai Mugwadi. When the officers called him again, saying they had raised a US$200 deposit and inviting him to Chicken Inn at Unit C junction, Maskiri turned up and was promptly arrested.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the rapper being swiftly taken into custody while the InDrive driver chased after the vehicle demanding his fare.

Police say investigations are ongoing, and no funds have yet been recovered. The case comes after other high-profile figures, including businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, spent over a year in remand custody over similar issues with goat sales, highlighting a growing concern around livestock-related scams in the country.