Facilitator vanishes with US$8 000 in failed attempt to recover impounded vehicle

Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo

Court Correspondent

A DEAL to secure the release of an impounded Toyota Prado from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) went awry after the facilitator allegedly disappeared with US$8 000.

Sani Shaibu (31), represented by lawyer Mr Moffat Makuvatsine, appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges.

He was granted US$100 bail. The complainant, Spencer Murindagomo (41), had engaged Shaibu on January 20, 2026, to assist in facilitating the release of his employer’s vehicle, which had been seized by ZIMRA.

Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that Shaibu misrepresented that he could secure the vehicle’s release and demanded US$8 000 for his services.

Murindagomo paid the full amount in cash on the same day, with assurances that the vehicle would be released the following day.

However, Shaibu disappeared with the money and made no payments to ZIMRA. After realising he had been duped, Murindagomo contacted ZIMRA to verify the status of the vehicle, confirming that no progress had been made.

The incident was reported to the police, leading to Shaibu’s arrest. The total amount defrauded is US$8 000, and nothing has been recovered to date.