Man loses over US$16 000 in truck importation deal

Michael Mashiri

ZIM NOW CORRESPONDENT

A man who allegedly defrauded more than US$16 000, which was meant to import a truck from the UK, has been taken to court.

Hamphrey Machiri, 46, of Mt Pleasant Heights, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with fraud.

He was ordered to appear in court on May 30.

The complainant in this matter is Musekiwa Masimba, 39.

The State alleges that in July 2023, Masimba approached Machiri, who is into importation of cars, intending to buy a Man Diesel haulage truck horse from the United Kingdom, via Walvis Bay Port in Namibia and was quoted US$16 618.

It is alleged that on July 15, 2023, Masimba paid US$10 000 to Machiri and was given a receipt.

Masimba was supposed to clear the balance before the arrival of the truck at Walvis Bay Port.

The court heard that on October 2, Masimba made another payment of US$3 500 to Machiri and he gave him a receipt.

Machiri told Masimba to deposit South African Rand equivalent for the remaining balance of US$3 118 into his South African QQF Commercial Bank account.

It is alleged that on October 5 and December 2, 2023, Masimba deposited R13 650 and R37 800 into Machiri’s account and he acknowledged having received the money.

Machiri told Masimba to expect delivery if the truck in February 2024.

February 24, Masimba called Machiri making a follow-up on the delivery of the truck but he started giving various excuses. Since then he has been evasive.

This led Masimba to file a police report. He lost US$13 500 and R51 450.