Harare man duped US$15 000 in fake mining deal

A 36-year-old Harare man has appeared in court on fraud charges after allegedly conning a prospective miner out of US$15 000 in a fake mining deal involving a promised government permit.

Simon Musika appeared before magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe and was granted US$200 bail pending further proceedings.

The complainant, Everesto Kamone of Macheke, told the court he was misled into believing Musika was an employee of the Ministry of Mines with authority to facilitate the issuance of a Special Mining Grant.

According to prosecutor Polite Chikiwa, Kamone had initially applied for a Special Grant to mine in the Nyarugwe area of Nyanga, but his application was rejected in July 2025 at the Ministry of Mines office in Mutare.

Seeking further assistance, Kamone travelled to Harare on 1 August 2025, where he allegedly met Musika at the ministry offices.

Musika is accused of falsely claiming he could secure the mining rights for a fee of US$20 000.

The court heard that Kamone was later taken to Musika's residence, where he met the accused's wife, Kete Maumba, who allegedly confirmed that Musika worked for the ministry and could assist with the application. Maumba is already facing related proceedings in a separate case before the Harare Magistrates Court.

Convinced by the representations, Kamone allegedly paid US$15 000 in cash, with assurances that the permit would be processed within three days.

However, Musika allegedly failed to deliver and later became evasive, offering repeated excuses.

Investigations later established that Musika was not employed by the Ministry of Mines, prompting Kamone to report the matter to police.

The court heard that none of the money has been recovered.

The case is ongoing.