Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A 32-year-old Harare man has appeared in court on allegations of defrauding an unsuspecting client of US$9 310 in a botched vehicle importation deal.
Owen Simbarashe Matamai appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai on fraud charges.
Matamai was remanded in custody to Monday for bail application. It is the State’s case that sometime in March 2024, Mr Patson Hamadziripi Machiridza engaged Matamai to import a Honda Vezel 2015 model from Japan on his behalf.
The complainant drove from Mutare to Harare, Avondale where he met the accused. The court heard that Matamai was given US$7 810, which he then deposited in his Steward Bank account number 1602600010004 and thereafter made a payment for the car using PayPal.
After a month, Matamai advised Mr Machiridza that the car was delivered in Tanzania and he was paid a further US$ 1 500, which was for logistics to bring the car to Zimbabwe.
After receiving the money, Matamai became evasive and did not deliver the car as agreed. Mr Machiridza reported the matter at Avondale Police Station.
The total value stolen is US$9 310, and nothing was recovered.
Online Reporter