Man Accused of Swindling Woman out of Thousands in...

Man Accused of Swindling Woman out of Thousands in Fake Car Import Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri - Court Correspondent

A 39-year-old man from Glen View 3, Clayton Mafara, has been arraigned before the court facing allegations of defrauding a woman of thousands of dollars in a botched car import deal, after claiming to be a Beforward agent.

Clayton Mafara, 39, of Glen View 3, appeared before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai at the Harare Magistrate's Courts facing fraud allegations.

The complainant in this matter is Rondizai Nyengera.

The court was informed that sometime in September 2024, the complainant intended to import a car from Japan and was referred to Mafara by her auntie, who said he was a Beforward agent.

The complainant invited Mafara to her shop at Corner Jason Moyo and Angwa Street in Harare CBD and asked him to assist her in importing the Nissan Serena from Japan.

The court heard that Mafara agreed to assist the complainant and charged US$7 803, inclusive of all importation fees.

The complainant then gave Mafara a first payment of US$4 600.

On September 2, 2024 , Mafara sent a proof of payment for the vehicle to the complainant.

The complainant paid the remaining balance installmentsts and Mafara promised to deliver the car to the complainant in December 2024.

In January, Mafara contacted the complainant and told her that he needed US$150 for clearance, which was sent through Ecocash to an Ecocash number 0783 539 890 in the name of Willard Sithole.

After receiving the money, Mafara promised to deliver the car to the complainant after one week.

The court heard that Mafara kept on promising to the deliver the vehicle to the complainant but nothing fruitful materialised.

The complainant realised that she had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.

As a result of Mafara's actions, the complainant lost of US$7 803, and nothing was recovered.