Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
TWO people who falsely claimed to be specialists in purchasing goods from China on behalf of clients appeared in court yesterday after failing to deliver goods worth US$27 540 that had already been paid for.
The complainant in the case is a company represented by Wellington Motsi.
Wellington Mugodhi and Tapiwa Dhaura were charged with fraud and appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, who granted them bail.
The duo is expected to return to court on March 3, pending the completion of investigations.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that in November 2025, Mugodhi approached the complainant, claiming to be a shipping agent capable of importing various goods from China to Zimbabwe.
Impressed by Mugodhi’s claims, the complainant engaged him in a business transaction.
On December 15, 2025, the complainant enlisted Mugodhi’s services for the importation of electrical gadgets valued at US$27 540.
Mugodhi assured the complainant that he could handle the transaction and promised delivery within 54 days.
On the same day, Mugodhi claimed he had already paid for the goods and even provided a proof of payment to the complainant.
However, upon contacting the supplier in China, the complainant discovered that no payment had been made.
The supposed proof of payment turned out to be fraudulent.
When confronted, Mugodhi implicated his alleged accomplice, Dhaura, claiming he had handed over the money to him to complete the transaction.
After realising he had been duped, the complainant filed a police report at ZRP Harare Central on January 2, 2026.
The case was referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Commercial Crimes Division (CCD) on January 3, 2026, for further investigation.
On February 3, 2026, detectives from CID CCD Harare received information on the whereabouts of the accused.
Both Mugodhi and Dhaura were subsequently arrested.
Despite continued follow-ups, the complainant received unsatisfactory excuses from the accused, leading to the realisation that the entire transaction was fraudulent.
The total value of the defrauded goods is US$27 540, and nothing has been recovered.
