Charges withdrawn in R1 million vehicle fraud case

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

Two businessman who were facing allegations of defrauding someone of R1 million after misrepresenting to him that they could facilitate the importation of a top-of-range vehicle from South Africa on his behalf had their charges withdrawn before plea on Friday due to lack of evidence.
Knowledge Mabhara (45) and Brighton Nyandoro (40) were facing fraud charges. However the State withdrew the charges against the pair citing lack of evidence.

The court heard that sometime this month, the complainant Mr Mudhausheni Mutizi wanted someone to assist him in importing a vehicle from South Africa and was referred to Mabhara.

Mr Mutizi contacted Mabhara who confirmed that he could import the vehicle on his behalf at a cost of R1 000 000.

The court heard that on August 21, Mabhara then supplied Mr Mutizi with Nyandoro’s South African FNB account number and asked him to transfer the money.

On that same day, Mutizi transferred the R1 million into the account and after receiving the money Mabhara assured him that his vehicle would be delivered by August 28, 2024.

After the period lapsed, Mutizi called Mabhara and Nyandoro but they were no longer answering his calls and he reported them to the police.