Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The trial of two Beitbridge-based customs clearing agents, Lloyd Mawadze (36) and Lauren Mawadze (32), who were recently arrested for allegedly defrauding vehicle importers of nearly US$20,000 over two years, has been postponed to 18 February for a formal bail application. The duo had gone on the run after each fraud and theft case.
The two accused were recently tracked down in Beitbridge district following a series of investigations.
They reportedly abused their positions to receive funds from unsuspecting car importers, promising to facilitate the import of vehicles from South Africa. Instead, they would disappear with the money, leaving their victims empty-handed.
The pair is alleged to have duped four victims of R81,500, US$11,700, and Z$17.5 million between 2023 and 2024.
They briefly appeared before Beitbridge Resident Magistrate on Tuesday, where the matter was postponed for a formal bail application.
Through their lawyer, Mr Muchiwande Sithole of Samp Mlaudzi and Partners, they denied the charges of fraud and theft of trust property.
Prosecutor Mr Tawanda Chigavazira stated that in August 2023, the Mawadze duo began their criminal activities by allegedly swindling Harare resident Tendai Tshuma of US$600 and Z$17.5 million, claiming the funds would cover import duty for a Ford Ranger single cab. After receiving the money, they vanished.
In another instance, the two allegedly took US$4,100 from Tendai Tobias Bonga, who had enlisted their services to pay import duty for a Mercedes-Benz C180. They disappeared after receiving the money.
In January 2024, they purportedly conned Tinashe Kutsukutsa out of US$7,000 intended for buying a car and paying duty.
Online Reporter