A Harare man’s hopes of profiting from a gold trading venture turned into financial ruin after he was defrauded of US$18 000 in a bogus investment scheme.
Simbarashe Rewayi Nyasha Musiwacho, 33, appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges. He was remanded in custody.
According to the State, the complainant, George Makata, was introduced to Musiwacho in January 2022 by a mutual acquaintance, Tinashe Mangadza.
Musiwacho allegedly presented himself as a licensed gold dealer who only lacked capital to begin operations. He reportedly offered Makata an equal profit-sharing partnership if he provided the required funding.
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Tempted by the proposal, Makata agreed to finance the venture. The two later met at Big B Mall, located at the corner of Bishop Gaul Avenue and Rekayi Tangwena Avenue, where Makata handed over US$18 000 in cash.
After receiving the money, Musiwacho allegedly disappeared and failed to initiate the promised business.
Attempts by Makata to contact him over the following months were unsuccessful, as the accused reportedly became evasive and did not provide any returns on the investment.
On November 23, 2025, Makata spotted Musiwacho at Habana Lounge in Harare during the early hours of the morning and alerted police officers from ZRP Braeside, who swiftly moved in and arrested him.
The total prejudice stands at US$18 000, with nothing recovered to date.
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