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Woman remanded over US$80k fake contract
17 hrs ago |
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A woman has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court facing fraud charges after allegedly swindling a fellow church member out of more than US$80 000 by falsely claiming she held a lucrative supply contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
Lucia Kunaka was remanded in custody on Saturday following her appearance before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
Prosecutors allege that in August 2024 Kunaka approached the complainant, Joseph Rashayi, a fellow congregant, and presented what she described as a high-level investment opportunity. She claimed to have secured a contract with the OPC to supply medical equipment but said she lacked sufficient capital to execute the deal.
According to the State, Kunaka convinced Rashayi to finance the purchase of the equipment, promising that once it was delivered to the OPC, they would share the profits and his initial investment would be refunded in full. Trusting her representations, Rashayi agreed to participate.
He initially advanced Kunaka US$7 840, which she later returned together with an additional US$1 960, purportedly as profit. Prosecutors say this repayment was designed to build Rashayi's confidence in the venture.
In September 2024, Rashayi went on to advance Kunaka a further US$80 919, paid in several instalments. Kunaka allegedly assured him that she had sourced the medical equipment from South Africa and that delivery to the OPC was imminent.
Court records show that Rashayi waited from September 2024 until August 2025 without receiving any payment, profits or concrete updates on the deal. When he sought clarification, Kunaka is said to have offered repeated excuses before eventually becoming evasive and unreachable.
Suspecting foul play, Rashayi independently verified the existence of the contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet. He was reportedly informed that Kunaka had never held any supply contract with the institution.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Kunaka's arrest.
The State alleges that Kunaka acted with intent to deceive and defraud, causing Rashayi a financial loss of US$80 919. No funds have been recovered to date.
Kunaka remains in custody as the case proceeds.
Lucia Kunaka was remanded in custody on Saturday following her appearance before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
Prosecutors allege that in August 2024 Kunaka approached the complainant, Joseph Rashayi, a fellow congregant, and presented what she described as a high-level investment opportunity. She claimed to have secured a contract with the OPC to supply medical equipment but said she lacked sufficient capital to execute the deal.
According to the State, Kunaka convinced Rashayi to finance the purchase of the equipment, promising that once it was delivered to the OPC, they would share the profits and his initial investment would be refunded in full. Trusting her representations, Rashayi agreed to participate.
He initially advanced Kunaka US$7 840, which she later returned together with an additional US$1 960, purportedly as profit. Prosecutors say this repayment was designed to build Rashayi's confidence in the venture.
Court records show that Rashayi waited from September 2024 until August 2025 without receiving any payment, profits or concrete updates on the deal. When he sought clarification, Kunaka is said to have offered repeated excuses before eventually becoming evasive and unreachable.
Suspecting foul play, Rashayi independently verified the existence of the contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet. He was reportedly informed that Kunaka had never held any supply contract with the institution.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Kunaka's arrest.
The State alleges that Kunaka acted with intent to deceive and defraud, causing Rashayi a financial loss of US$80 919. No funds have been recovered to date.
Kunaka remains in custody as the case proceeds.
Source - The Herald
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