Woman loses US$7 000 in gold claim scam

A 34-year-old Mutare woman allegedly lost US$7 000 after she was duped into buying a 10-hectare gold claim that belonged to another company by a man who later fled to Mozambique.

Police have arrested Philip Matika (53), of Area 16, Dangamvura, in connection with the alleged fraud involving Privilege Kashiri, also of Dangamvura.

Matika allegedly misrepresented himself as the owner of a gold claim in Odzi and sold it to Kashiri before leaving the country.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, saying the alleged offence occurred in September last year.

"On September 7, 2025, Matika approached Kashiri's brother, Eddie Makadzamaoko (50), and informed him that he was selling a 10-hectare gold claim in Odzi," Chinyoka said.

He said Matika subsequently took Makadzamaoko to Odzi and showed him a piece of land which he claimed was his mining claim.

Makadzamaoko later informed his sister, who expressed interest in purchasing the claim.

"On September 8, 2025, Matika met Makadzamaoko again and was advised that Kashiri was willing to buy the claim. They proceeded to Kashiri's residence where discussions were held, and Matika offered to sell the claim for US$7 000," Chinyoka said.

The parties later travelled to Mutare's central business district, where Kashiri allegedly paid Matika US$5 000 as a deposit.

The remaining US$2 000 was subsequently paid, with affidavits reportedly being signed on both occasions as proof of the transactions.

Police said Matika visited Kashiri's home on October 13, 2025, and collected the outstanding US$2 000, bringing the total amount paid to US$7 000.

However, the alleged fraud was uncovered when Kashiri approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to begin the process of transferring ownership of the claim.

"During the process, she produced the documents that had been provided by Matika. Kashiri and an official from the Ministry later visited the alleged claim in Odzi, where she was informed that the mining claim belonged to Bold Plus Investments," Chinyoka said.

After discovering that the claim allegedly belonged to another company, Kashiri contacted Matika and demanded a refund.

Police allege that Matika became evasive before fleeing to Mozambique, making efforts to recover the money unsuccessful.

"Efforts to recover the money were fruitless as Matika became evasive and left the country for Mozambique," Chinyoka said.

The matter resurfaced on August 16 when Kashiri reportedly learnt that Matika had returned to his residence in Dangamvura.

She confronted him and demanded her money before reporting the matter to ZRP Dangamvura, leading to his arrest.

Police said investigations are continuing.

The total value allegedly defrauded is US$7 000, and none of the money has been recovered.