News / National
Duo arrested for defrauding car importers of US$20,000
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Two Beitbridge-based customs clearing agents, Lloyd Mawadze (36) and Lauren Mawadze (32), have been arrested for allegedly defrauding vehicle importers of nearly US$20,000 over the past two years. The pair, who allegedly disappeared after each fraudulent incident, were recently tracked down in Beitbridge district following an intensive investigation.
The duo is accused of exploiting their roles as customs agents to deceive unsuspecting vehicle importers. According to court documents, they would promise to facilitate the importation of vehicles from South Africa but would disappear after receiving funds, leaving their clients empty-handed. Their alleged criminal activities affected at least four victims, who were collectively defrauded of R81,500, US$11,700, and Z$17.5 million between 2023 and 2024.
Prosecutor Tawanda Chigavazira detailed how the Mawadzes allegedly began their scheme in August 2023 by defrauding Harare resident Tendai Tshuma. They reportedly took US$600 and Z$17.5 million from Tshuma, claiming the money was for import duty on a Ford Ranger single cab. However, after receiving the funds, the two disappeared.
In another incident, they allegedly swindled Tendai Tobias Bonga of US$4,100, which Bonga had paid for the clearance of import duty on a Mercedes-Benz C180. Similarly, in January 2024, the Mawadzes reportedly conned Tinashe Kutsukutsa out of US$7,000 meant for purchasing a vehicle and paying the necessary import duties.
The two suspects appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, where they were represented by defense lawyer Muchiwande Sithole of F. Chauke and Associates. They pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and theft of trust property and were remanded in custody until February 11.
This case has raised concerns about fraud in the vehicle importation process, particularly in border towns such as Beitbridge, where such scams have been reported before. Authorities have urged the public to verify the credentials of customs agents and to exercise caution when dealing with large financial transactions.
As investigations continue, the prosecution is expected to present further evidence when the trial resumes. Meanwhile, the Mawadzes remain in custody as they await the next hearing.
The duo is accused of exploiting their roles as customs agents to deceive unsuspecting vehicle importers. According to court documents, they would promise to facilitate the importation of vehicles from South Africa but would disappear after receiving funds, leaving their clients empty-handed. Their alleged criminal activities affected at least four victims, who were collectively defrauded of R81,500, US$11,700, and Z$17.5 million between 2023 and 2024.
Prosecutor Tawanda Chigavazira detailed how the Mawadzes allegedly began their scheme in August 2023 by defrauding Harare resident Tendai Tshuma. They reportedly took US$600 and Z$17.5 million from Tshuma, claiming the money was for import duty on a Ford Ranger single cab. However, after receiving the funds, the two disappeared.
In another incident, they allegedly swindled Tendai Tobias Bonga of US$4,100, which Bonga had paid for the clearance of import duty on a Mercedes-Benz C180. Similarly, in January 2024, the Mawadzes reportedly conned Tinashe Kutsukutsa out of US$7,000 meant for purchasing a vehicle and paying the necessary import duties.
The two suspects appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, where they were represented by defense lawyer Muchiwande Sithole of F. Chauke and Associates. They pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and theft of trust property and were remanded in custody until February 11.
This case has raised concerns about fraud in the vehicle importation process, particularly in border towns such as Beitbridge, where such scams have been reported before. Authorities have urged the public to verify the credentials of customs agents and to exercise caution when dealing with large financial transactions.
As investigations continue, the prosecution is expected to present further evidence when the trial resumes. Meanwhile, the Mawadzes remain in custody as they await the next hearing.
Source - the herald
