Zimbabwean dealer 'dupes' SA firm

A Zimbabwean logistics services provider, Krispen Pike, has been accused of failing to settle a debt of US$12,000 owed to a South Africa–based company, Calgen Logistics.

According to Calgen Logistics, in September 2025, Pike, trading through his company Imperial Logistics, contracted the firm to transport chrome ore from Zvishavane to South Africa. The initial agreement required Pike to pay 80% of the transport fee at loading and the remaining 20% upon offloading in South Africa.

"However, he told us that he had experienced a challenge on settling the payment as agreed just after loading. We then agreed that he would pay the full 100% on offloading in South Africa, but that never happened from then up to now," the company said.

Calgen Logistics alleges that Pike has repeatedly promised to clear the debt but has failed to make any meaningful payment.

Pike acknowledged the debt, claiming a payment plan had been agreed. A document seen by NewZimbabwe.com outlines the proposed schedule: a payment of US$1,000 by January 16, followed by US$2,000 monthly from February 2026 until the full amount is settled, with payments due by the 25th of each month.

However, Calgen Logistics disputes Pike's claims, insisting that no payments have been made in line with the agreed schedule.

The matter highlights ongoing challenges in cross-border logistics and the enforcement of commercial agreements, as South African firms continue to rely on Zimbabwean partners for bulk cargo transport.