A Harare man has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a Democratic Republic of Congo national of US$19,000 in a fictitious fuel tanker deal.
Tryson Mapinde, 32, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges. He was remanded in custody to Tuesday for a bail application.
According to State papers, the complainant, Salomon Fukamolo, a DRC national, met Mapinde in Harare’s Central Business District in 2024 while looking for a fuel tanker to export to the DRC.
The State alleges that Mapinde falsely claimed to have a tanker for sale on behalf of Estrama Investments (Pvt) Ltd, allegedly producing a certificate of appointment to support his claim.
He reportedly quoted a price of US$12,000.
Between January 27 and March 6, 2024, Fukamolo allegedly paid Mapinde the full US$12,000 through Western Union transfers and cash.
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Prosecutors allege that Mapinde later told Fukamolo to pay duty for the tanker directly to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
On May 11, 2024, Fukamolo allegedly paid US$7,000 towards the duty.
The State alleges that after receiving the payments, Mapinde disposed of the tanker and failed to deliver it to the complainant.
When Fukamolo sent a driver from the DRC to Zimbabwe to collect the vehicle, Mapinde allegedly gave several excuses before cutting off communication.
The complainant subsequently reported the matter to police on August 19, 2026.
The State alleges that Fukamolo suffered a total prejudice of US$19,000 and that no money has been recovered.
Mapinde is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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