Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka, Court Correspondent
A CHINESE national appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates Court on Thursday on allegations of defrauding a client of US$322 381 under the guise of supplying minerals and securing an export licence.
Xiang Jun (40), who is facing fraud charges, was granted bail by magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei and will return to court on August 20.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that in June 2024, Xiang allegedly misrepresented to the complainant, whose name was not disclosed in court documents, that he could procure chrome, antimony, and copper, as well as facilitate an export license for the complainant.
Trusting Xiang’s claims, the complainant paid US$322 381, and Xiang signed an acknowledgement of receipt, which will be presented as evidence in court.
A witness, Li Yuchun, was present at the time of the transaction and is expected to testify. However, after receiving the funds, Xiang allegedly became evasive and failed to deliver the promised minerals or the export license.
As a result, the complainant suffered a financial loss of US$322 381, and nothing has been recovered to date.
