Con artists nabbed for duping civil servants

Arron Nyamayaro

A 21-YEAR-OLD man and his boss were yesterday arrested for allegedly fleecing civil servants by promising them loans in United States dollars.

Elias Muchena, and his boss Hazel Musiwacho, were arrested for allegedly duping unsuspecting Government employees, who were desperate to access loans.

Elias and Ropafadzo Muchagara, who is on the run, work for a private company, ZELIAN Incorporated, owned by Hazel.

Documents completed by a number of their victims were recovered in a syndicate believed to be connected to SSB officials.

Elias said he was receiving two percent from marketing the deal.

“I did not know how the beneficiaries would receive the promised cash and that is why I referred the arresting officer to my boss,” said Elias.

Hazel claimed her company was registered and has been dealing with one, Tawanda Mupandafuta, who is reported to be linked to a local bank that facilitated the deduction of civil servants’ contributions.

Elias and Ropafadzo reportedly claimed to be working for a local bank instead of ZELIAN, a company based at Vanguard House, along Kenneth Kaunda Avenue, in Harare.

The Harare provincial police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

The two suspects were taken to Harare Central Police Station.