Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent
A Harare-based travel agent has appeared in court on fraud charges after allegedly swindling a private school out of more than US$22 000 in a failed Victoria Falls tour deal.
Dynaly Travel and Tours, represented by its director, Daniel Madamombe, was hauled before the Harare Magistrates’ Court over allegations of misrepresentation and failure to deliver services paid for by Angels Island School.
The complainant, represented by the school’s Risk Manager, Tawanda Garanewako, told the court that Madamombe had been contracted to arrange a Victoria Falls trip for 48 pupils and staff in January.
According to the State, the accused quoted US$602 per person, covering flights, accommodation, meals, and activities, bringing the total cost to US$28,896, later discounted to US$28,800.
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Between May 14 and July 2, the school reportedly paid a total of US$26 665 towards the trip.
However, investigations revealed that Madamombe only paid US$5 790 to Air Zimbabwe for flight tickets, despite claiming to have paid US$17 280.
He also allegedly misrepresented that he had settled accommodation and activity costs at Sweet Holiday Homes, when in fact no such payments had been made.
When questioned about the discrepancies, Madamombe allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations and began evading the school.
A police report was subsequently filed at ZRP Rhodesville, leading to his arrest.
The school suffered a total financial prejudice of US$22 875, with nothing recovered to date.
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