US$340 000 investment into Spar fresh produce deal...

US$340 000 investment into Spar fresh produce deal shrivels in scam

Fraud - What to look for and how to overcome it

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Correspondent

A man allegedly milked his long-time friend of US$340 000 in a business venture that never was.

Tatenda Guruva, 30, of Harare Drive, Harare, appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Courts charged with fraud.

He was remanded on US$200 bail and will appear in court on August 23.

The State alleges that sometime in March 2023, Guruva told his friend Blessing Mudambanuki that his company Vegetas Brands and was contracted by Anotipa Enterprises, a subsidiary of Spar shops to supply vegetables and fruits.

Guruva said Vegetas Brands was not growing because it lacked funds to supply the required quantities of products to Anotipa Enterprises.

Guruva then asked Mudambanuki to inject funds into Vegetas Brands in return for 30% profit per month and to be join the management of the company.

Based on long and sound friendship they had, Mudambanuki injected US$340 000 from March 2023 to December 2023.

Guruva allegedly gave his partner false information in the form of fake proof of payment and emails from Anotida Enterprises.

It is alleged that he showed Mudambanuki forged conversations from one Glaudancea, an accountant of Anotida Enterprises showing that Anotida Enterprises owed them US$800 000.

Mudambanuki became suspicious and decided to personally approach Spar executives to see what was taking place.

The finance manager, Calton supported the claims made by Guruva.

But chief finance officer, Tinashe told Mudambanuki t Vegas Brands was only owed US$466 and nothing more.

Mudambanuki then confronted Guruva who gave unsatisfactory explanations leading Mudambanuki to file a police report.