Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A CITY car spare parts dealer appeared in court yesterday after he allegedly duped his regular client of US$38,000 in a botched deal.
The suspect is Michael Manzini.
The complainant is Fungai David Moyo, the managing director of Excel Auto Parts.Allegations are that in December 2024, Moyo wanted to import various motor spare parts valued at US$38,290 from Japan.
He approached Manzini to import the parts on his behalf.
Manzini agreed and he charged US$5,000 for his services.Prosecutors alleged that on December 28, 2024, Moyo sent US$$16,000 to Manzini.
The money was sent to a Japanese account.
Manzini confirmed receipt of the funds.
Sometime, in March last year, Manzini supplied his Steward Bank Visa account number to Moyo, for him to send more money so that he could buy outstanding spare parts in order to fill up a shipping container.
Between March and September last year, Moyo deposited a total of US$22,290, on several occasions, into Manzini’s Steward Bank Visa account. Manzini confirmed receipt of the funds and told Moyo that he had bought the spare parts.
Manzini promised Moyo that he was going to receive the spare parts in December last year.
Moyo made several follow-ups for his consignment but Manzini became evasive.
This prompted Moyo to file a police report.
Nothing was recovered.
