Online Reporter
Stanford Chiwanga,[email protected]
UK-BASED businessman Prince Abraham remains locked in a seven year struggle for justice after falling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme orchestrated by individuals who later fled Zimbabwe, leaving him without recourse and suffering substantial financial and emotional losses.
According to court records, the primary suspect in the case is Bulawayo businesswoman Delny Deanna Ashley Davies, who allegedly misrepresented her ability to assist Abraham with cross-border financial transactions before converting his funds to her own use.
Abraham said he had chosen Zimbabwe because he saw a country positioning itself for international engagement and investment.
He stressed that the national environment itself was never the issue; instead, it was the actions of a small group of individuals who exploited his confidence and operated outside the law.
“I was drawn to Zimbabwe because I saw a nation making room for investors and trying to build something new. I never imagined that a few dishonest individuals would take advantage of that environment to prey on genuine businesspeople like myself,” he said.
He said his optimism was eroded by people who presented themselves as legitimate intermediaries with access to high value projects.
In November 2018, Davies allegedly proposed a financial arrangement in which she would settle payments in South Africa on his behalf using her “free funds”.
Believing the arrangement to be lawful and credible, Abraham transferred US$700 000 into her account — money that was instead diverted for her personal use.
“These people presented themselves as professionals. They spoke the language of business, they claimed to understand the law, and they promised that everything would move smoothly. All the while, they were preparing to vanish with my money,” he said.
Investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) later confirmed that after receiving the funds, US$72 000 was used to finance an overdraft, while the remainder — US$628 000 — was transferred into another bank account controlled by Davies. Only US$7 432 was ever recovered.
Abraham said that what shocked him most was the speed with which communication collapsed.
“One moment they were responding to every call, and the next they were gone — phones off, emails bouncing. It was like dealing with shadows.”
Authorities confirmed that Davies was arrested in 2019, but the case has dragged on for years with no resolution in sight. Her prolonged absence from proceedings and the slow pace of court movement have left Abraham in legal limbo.
Despite the lack of progress, he emphasised that he still views Zimbabwe as a promising investment destination, insisting that the criminal actions he encountered do not reflect the national environment.
“I want to be clear — my case is not about Zimbabwe failing me. It is about criminals who took advantage of me. The broader investment climate remains sound, and that is why I continue to push for justice rather than walk away.”
He noted that he has submitted every document requested by authorities, including bank statements, contracts and communication records.
“I have handed over every contract, every bank record, and every email chain. If the suspect had remained in the country, I believe this matter would have reached closure by now. But cross-border cases are always complex.”
Abraham described the emotional toll of the ordeal, saying that the prolonged delay has burdened him personally and professionally.
“It has been seven years of asking the same questions, hoping for the same answers. Some nights I lie awake wondering how much longer this can continue. Justice delayed is painful — especially when you did everything by the book.”
Still, he maintains hope that closure will come.
“I continue to believe that justice will eventually be delivered. My only desire is closure — the ability to turn the page and reinvest my energy and resources into constructive work.”
As the case remains unresolved, Abraham’s experience highlights the vulnerabilities investors can face and underscores the importance of stronger due diligence mechanisms, quicker cross-border legal co-operation, and a justice system capable of ensuring that those who defraud investors are held accountable —regardless of where they flee.
In spite of the challenges he has endured, Abraham said he remains determined to rebuild and play a meaningful role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
He revealed that he is actively seeking a capital injection to revive Nedlac Automation, the company whose operations were crippled by the fraud scandal.
He said restarting the business would not only restore his own industrial footprint but also allow him to contribute to the national development agenda.
“My wish is to breathe life back into Nedlac Automation. It was a company with potential, with skilled people, and with a clear vision. All I need now is the support to restart operations and get it moving again.”
He said his motivation goes beyond business recovery and is tied to Zimbabwe’s long‑term aspirations.
“I still believe in this country, and I still believe in Vision 2030. I want to be part of the journey — to create jobs, to innovate, and to add value. Reviving Nedlac Automation would allow me to contribute meaningfully to that national vision. I’m ready to rebuild . . . I just need the capital support to begin.”
