Harare man faces another fraud charge

Michael Mashiri

A man, who appeared in court yesterday for fraud, has returned again today facing a similar charge.

Tinashe Nyasha Makoni, 40, of Mandara, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi, at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing fraud allegations.

He was ordered to deposit US$300 bail and will appear in court on January 11, for routine remand.

The complainant in this matter is Joseph Muza, 52, director of Urbanlink Services Private Limited.

The State, through prosecutor Thomas Chanakira, alleges that on March 2, 2023, Muza, was informed by his friend, Owen Nyanhokwe that a friend of his, Godfrey Takurangeyi, knew a person who had bulk fuel for sale at the price of US$1.40 per litre.

Muza contacted Takurangeyi, who then referred him to Makoni who was introduced to him as Mike.

He was given Makoni’s contact details by Takurangeyi for more communication.

It is alleged that Muza contacted Makoni on his phone and he confirmed that he had bulk diesel going for US$1.43.

Muza told Makoni that he was buying the fuel on behalf of his client, NetOne Zimbabwe Cleveland Depot, Harare and would need him to deliver 40 000 litres diesel to them.

Makoni demanded US$25 000 as deposit from Muza and told him that, the truck was loading and would be at NetOne Cleveland Depot before receiving the initial deposit.

It is alleged that on March 3, 2023, Muza fell for Makoni’s lies and told his cousin based in Harare, Tafadzwa Chikunguru to hand over the money to Makoni.

Makoni later sent another man to meet Tafadzwa Chikunguru along Prince Edward Street, Harare so that he could collect the money.

Chikunguru went and met the person who was sent and gave him US$25 000.

Muza called Makoni, who confirmed receipt of the money but later switched off his phone before the fuel could be delivered as promised.

Efforts to locate Makoni were fruitless which led to the matter being reported to the police on March 4, 2023.

US$25 000 was defrauded and nothing and nothing was recovered.