Sharon Jiyamwa and Rudaviro Katsande
A 22-year-old Chinhoyi man has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing two counts of fraud after allegedly using falsified mobile banking notifications to swindle lodge operators out of cash and accommodation.
Arnold Mudekwa was charged with fraud under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The court heard that on October 30, 2026, Mudekwa approached Worship Dumba (63) seeking 30 days’ accommodation at Mt Pleasant Heights Lodge. He was quoted a rate of US$70 per day, bringing the total to US$2 100.
According to the prosecution, Mudekwa requested to make a bank transfer from his South African Nedbank account to Mr Dumba’s South African First National Bank account.
While operating the complainant’s mobile phone, he allegedly simulated the transaction, resulting in an SMS notification indicating that R37 400, equivalent to about US$2 200, had been transferred.
Claiming that he had overpaid by US$100, Mudekwa allegedly persuaded the lodge operator to hand over the cash difference before absconding the following morning.
A subsequent verification with the bank revealed that no funds had been transferred. The incident resulted in an actual loss of US$170 and a potential loss of US$2 000.
The prosecution further alleged that on November 1, 2026, Mudekwa used the same modus operandi to secure a 14-day stay at Golden Stairs Lodge, managed by Sharon Bere. He was charged US$60 per day, bringing the total bill to US$840, equivalent to R14 280.
Using Ms Bere’s mobile phone, Mudekwa allegedly falsified a transfer from his Nedbank account to her local Nedbank account, generating a fraudulent on-screen notification showing a payment of R14 280. He reportedly stayed at the lodge for two days.
The scam came to light when police officers arrived at the lodge looking for the accused in connection with the earlier complaint. Ms Bere then checked her bank statement and discovered that no funds had been deposited.
The second incident resulted in an actual loss of US$120 and a potential loss of US$720.
Investigations led by Detective Sergeant Mike Mukuna of the CID Commercial Crimes Division (Northern Region) allegedly established that Mudekwa systematically targeted hospitality operators using fabricated South African banking records.
Mudekwa was arrested on November 2, 2026.
The State opposed bail, arguing that the accused survives through fraudulent activities and has a similar pending matter under CRB 2927/26.
He was remanded in custody pending trial, while police finalise witness statements.
