dyton mupawaenda
Yeukai Karengezeka–Court Correspondent
A farmer lost over 25 000 tonnes of soyabeans to fake buyers who deceived him that they would pay over US$16 000 upon receiving the consignment.
Baniel Phiri (41) and James Gurupira (53) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi charged with fraud and were remanded in custody pending their bail application today.
Prosecutor Mr Zebediah Bofu alleged that between June 24, 2022 and July 3, 2022 at Shamwari Farm in Harare, Phiri and Gurupira connived with two others only identified as Time and Sabhuku and who are still at large, to defraud Dr Elasto Mugwadi of his 25,6 tonnes of soyabeans.
Phiri went and negotiated with Dr Mugwadi and said he wanted to buy the soyabeans on behalf of Clergy Swallows. In the presence of Dr Mugwadi, Phiri phoned Gurupira who pretended to be representing Clergy Swallows and said he wanted to buy the soyabeans. He promised to pay Dr Mugwadi after receiving the 25,6 tonnes of the soyabeans at Gurupira’s neighbouring farm.
Gurupira went back and paid Dr Mugwadi US$4 900 only and he started to make stories about the remaining amount after which he started being evasive.
Gurupira was arrested on Monday after a long search. Dr Mugwadi lost US$16 896 in the transaction and the value recovered was only US$4 900.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter