Farmer loses US$34,000 to fake fertiliser scam

A Mazowe farmer was left counting his losses after being defrauded of US$34 000 by two men who sold him counterfeit Compound D fertiliser last year.

Ishmael Takudzwa Mataya (35) and Tapiwa Chipiti (29) appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo on charges of fraud. The matter was remanded to 21 January 2026.

The complainant, Stanley Mafumo (63), a self-employed farmer, told the court that between September and November 2025, the accused hatched a plan to defraud unsuspecting farmers.

According to the prosecution, the pair, acting in collusion with Blessing Mushonga, who is already on remand, advertised fertiliser and agro-chemicals on ZBC Radio Zimbabwe. Mafumo responded to the advertisement and purchased 150 tonnes of Compound D fertiliser from their shop at 76 Robert Mugabe/Kaguvi Street, Harare, valued at US$66 066.

Mafumo paid US$34 000 from his First Capital Bank account to an account provided by the accused, agreeing to pay the balance upon delivery.

The accused delivered 619 bags of purported Superfert Compound D fertiliser, but failed to supply the remaining order, refunding only US$6 000 to Mafumo.

Suspecting foul play, Mafumo submitted samples to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development's Agricultural Research Innovation and Specialist Services Directorate, which confirmed that the fertiliser was fake.

The prosecution alleges that Chipiti manufactured the counterfeit fertiliser and supplied it to Mataya and Mushonga for distribution.

The total value of the loss is US$34 000, with US$6 000 already recovered.

The case continues, as authorities seek justice for Mafumo and a warning to other farmers against fraudulent agricultural suppliers.