Zvikomborero Parafini
A HARARE car dealer, and the two companies he represents, are being accused of pocketing US$36,800 from two customers in separate vehicle deals before allegedly failing to deliver the cars.
Knoxman Mudariki Moyo appeared before Harare magistrate Nyasha Marufu facing two counts of fraud involving OwnVilla Motors (Pvt) Ltd and Debmac Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
He was remanded in custody to today for a bail ruling.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo alleged that in August this year, one of the customers approached OwnVilla Motors intending to buy a Mazda Atenza.
Moyo allegedly told him that although the vehicle was not in stock, he could import it from South Africa and deliver it within 10 working days for US$14,000.
The State alleges that between August 3 and September 6, the customer paid the full US$14,000 in several instalments and was issued receipts in the name of OwnVilla Motors.
However, the vehicle was allegedly never delivered.
It is alleged that between September 10 and October 7, the customer repeatedly followed up with Moyo but failed to get a satisfactory response.
Nothing was recovered.
In the second case, Moyo and Debmac Investments are accused of prejudicing another customer of US$22,800 in a Nissan X-Trail deal.
The State alleges that sometime in May, Moyo claimed he was selling a Nissan X-Trail for US$22,800.
Acting on the representation, the customer allegedly transferred the full amount from a Stanbic Bank account into a Debmac Investments bank account.
After receiving the money, Moyo allegedly failed to deliver the vehicle and became evasive.
The customer allegedly made several follow-ups between June and October without success. The State says the entire US$22,800 remains outstanding, bringing the total alleged prejudice in the two cases to US$36,800.
