70 people lose US$300 000 in low price cement scam...

70 people lose US$300 000 in low price cement scam

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Audrey Galawu

The police have launched a search for two suspects who scammed at least 70 victims of approximately US$300 000 by allegedly selling cement on special offer at number 10 Muya Nehanda Street, Harare.

The suspects, identified as Andy Baleni aka Mambo Ndini and Tinashe Zimunya lured victims through radio and social media adverts.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects lured victims through low prices.

“The police are concerned with fraud cases involving purported sale of cement “on special offer” to unsuspecting members of the public through advertisements on social media and radio stations by a company known as Koffie and King Hardware allegedly situated at 10 Mbuya Nehanda Street, Harare.

“Andy Baleni aka Mambo Ndini and Tinashe Zimunya whose last address is Flat 3 GlenLorne, Chishawasha, Harare advertised cement on radio and social media platforms at very low prices and alleged special offer thereby luring the unsuspecting transacting public.

“Delivery of the purported cement was said to be done within seven days after payment for the consignment. Resultantly, more than 70 victims fell for the scam and were defrauded approximately US$300 000," Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said.

The police has implored members of the public to exercise due diligence before making any payments as this scam is now allegedly pointing fingers to the possibility of a pyramid scheme through alleged sale of cement.