News / National
$3,200 lobola money vanishes in 'charcoal deal' scam
4 hrs ago |
199 Views
A Harare man is counting his losses after allegedly being duped into investing money he had set aside for lobola into what turned out to be a fraudulent scheme.
Albert Chikuni reportedly lost US$3 200 after investing the funds with a man he had met while repairing his car.
The suspect, Fanuel Madzvamuse, appeared in court yesterday facing fraud charges.
The court heard that Chikuni met Madzvamuse at a garage at number 84B Seke Road in Harare, where both were having their vehicles repaired. During their conversation, Madzvamuse allegedly learnt that Chikuni intended to pay lobola on December 28 last year.
According to the State, Madzvamuse then devised a plan to defraud Chikuni. He allegedly falsely claimed to be a licensed businessman involved in charcoal mining and produced invoices purporting to show deliveries made to Irvine's Zimbabwe as proof of his operations.
On December 15 last year, Madzvamuse allegedly misrepresented to Chikuni that if he invested through him, he would receive returns within a week ranging between eight and 11 percent, depending on the investment amount.
Acting on the alleged misrepresentation, Chikuni handed over US$3 200, expecting to receive US$5 600 by December 21.
However, the court heard that Madzvamuse converted the money to his own use. After several follow-ups, he allegedly became evasive, prompting Chikuni to file a police report.
The matter is pending before the courts.
Albert Chikuni reportedly lost US$3 200 after investing the funds with a man he had met while repairing his car.
The suspect, Fanuel Madzvamuse, appeared in court yesterday facing fraud charges.
The court heard that Chikuni met Madzvamuse at a garage at number 84B Seke Road in Harare, where both were having their vehicles repaired. During their conversation, Madzvamuse allegedly learnt that Chikuni intended to pay lobola on December 28 last year.
According to the State, Madzvamuse then devised a plan to defraud Chikuni. He allegedly falsely claimed to be a licensed businessman involved in charcoal mining and produced invoices purporting to show deliveries made to Irvine's Zimbabwe as proof of his operations.
On December 15 last year, Madzvamuse allegedly misrepresented to Chikuni that if he invested through him, he would receive returns within a week ranging between eight and 11 percent, depending on the investment amount.
Acting on the alleged misrepresentation, Chikuni handed over US$3 200, expecting to receive US$5 600 by December 21.
However, the court heard that Madzvamuse converted the money to his own use. After several follow-ups, he allegedly became evasive, prompting Chikuni to file a police report.
The matter is pending before the courts.
Source - The Herald
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
