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Bogus diplomat in court
13 hrs ago |
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A 43-year-old man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly impersonating Zimbabwe's former Ambassador to South Africa and defrauding an unsuspecting victim of nearly US$3 000.
Tinashe Munhuweyi appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rufaro Panavanhu, where he was remanded in custody until January 21 for a bail application.
The complainant in the matter is Mr Webster Marechera. Prosecutors told the court that in December 2025, Munhuweyi allegedly devised a scheme to defraud Marechera by posing as Ambassador David Hamadziripi, Zimbabwe's former envoy to South Africa.
It is alleged that Munhuweyi contacted the complainant and falsely claimed that his son's vehicle had broken down in Victoria Falls and that he urgently needed financial assistance. Acting on the misrepresentation, Marechera reportedly transferred US$180 into an EcoCash account number 0780255929, which had been provided by the accused.
The court heard that Munhuweyi, still impersonating Ambassador Hamadziripi, later told Marechera that his mother was unwell in Chiredzi and requested further funds to cover purported medical expenses. Believing the claims to be genuine, the complainant allegedly sent an additional US$2 770 to the accused in instalments.
Marechera later realised that he had been duped and reported the matter to the police, leading to Munhuweyi's arrest.
The case highlights the growing prevalence of impersonation and electronic fraud, with authorities continuing to warn the public to verify requests for financial assistance before making any payments.
Tinashe Munhuweyi appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rufaro Panavanhu, where he was remanded in custody until January 21 for a bail application.
The complainant in the matter is Mr Webster Marechera. Prosecutors told the court that in December 2025, Munhuweyi allegedly devised a scheme to defraud Marechera by posing as Ambassador David Hamadziripi, Zimbabwe's former envoy to South Africa.
It is alleged that Munhuweyi contacted the complainant and falsely claimed that his son's vehicle had broken down in Victoria Falls and that he urgently needed financial assistance. Acting on the misrepresentation, Marechera reportedly transferred US$180 into an EcoCash account number 0780255929, which had been provided by the accused.
The court heard that Munhuweyi, still impersonating Ambassador Hamadziripi, later told Marechera that his mother was unwell in Chiredzi and requested further funds to cover purported medical expenses. Believing the claims to be genuine, the complainant allegedly sent an additional US$2 770 to the accused in instalments.
Marechera later realised that he had been duped and reported the matter to the police, leading to Munhuweyi's arrest.
The case highlights the growing prevalence of impersonation and electronic fraud, with authorities continuing to warn the public to verify requests for financial assistance before making any payments.
Source - The Herald
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