Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
Former Guruve South Member of Parliament Chriswell Matematsaka appeared in court last Friday on charges of theft of trust property, following allegations that he defrauded a client of US$14 000 in a botched shipping deal.
During his hearing before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo, Matematsaka was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.
According to the State, in September 2025, the complainant, Ms Victoria Magunje, was searching for a shipping agent on Facebook to help transport goods valued at US$35 000 from China to Zimbabwe.
The items included school desks, office chairs, children’s furniture, toys and storage cabinets. Ms Magunje reportedly discovered an advertisement posted by Matematsaka, who claimed he could handle the shipping.
He quoted her US$14 000 for the service, promising delivery by December 2025.
Payments were made in several installments.
On October 18, 2025, Ms Magunje paid US$5 500 in cash during a meeting at the corner of Samora Machel Avenue and Chinhoyi Street in Harare. Additional payments included US$1 000 on October 20, another US$1 000 on October 21, and US$200 on November 3.
On January 15, 2026, she made a final payment of US$6 300 in cash after Matematsaka claimed the goods had arrived at Beira Port in Mozambique and required clearance fees.
Despite receiving the full payment, Matematsaka allegedly disappeared and ceased all communication with Ms Magunje.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach him, she filed a police report and Matematsaka was arrested last Thursday.
