A woman who allegedly swindled a man out of US$15,450 by claiming to be a diamond dealer has appeared in court facing fraud charges.
Shupikai Chinyanya appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court accused of defrauding Hillary Machiya through two transactions involving promises of lucrative mineral deals.
The court heard that on September 17, 2026, Chinyanya called Machiya and asked him for transport to Borrowdale and Arundel Shops in Harare.
The two met at Fourth Street bus terminus and proceeded to Arundel Shops.
Along the way, Chinyanya, who was accompanied by an accomplice who is still at large, allegedly claimed they were mineral traders heading to sell valuable diamonds.
Upon arrival, the pair reportedly met a white man accompanied by another black man.
After the meeting, they allegedly told Machiya they were due to receive US$54,000 but could not access the money because of transfer limits.
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Chinyanya allegedly asked Machiya for money, promising to repay him once the payment had been processed.
Machiya reportedly handed over US$400 in cash and sent another US$980 through EcoCash.
Two days later, Chinyanya allegedly invited Machiya to Rusape, where she persuaded him to invest US$14,070 in buying and selling minerals, promising him a US$5,000 profit once the transaction was completed.
After receiving the money, Chinyanya and her accomplice allegedly excused themselves, claiming they were meeting business partners, but never returned.
Machiya reportedly tried unsuccessfully to contact Chinyanya before concluding that he had been duped and filing a police report.
The total prejudice is US$15,450, and nothing has been recovered.
Chinyanya was remanded out of custody and is expected back in court on November 6, 2026.
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