Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A Harare man was left counting his losses after being lured into investing US$18 000 in a fraudulent gold trading partnership that never materialised.
Simbarashe Rewayi Nyasha Musiwacho (33) appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo on Monday facing charges of fraud.
He was remanded in custody to Tuesday November 25, 2025 pending a ruling on bid for bail. The complainant is Mr George Makata.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu alleged that in January 2022, Mr Makata was introduced to Musiwacho by a mutual friend, Mr Tinashe Mangadza.
Musiwacho claimed he was a licensed gold trader but lacked the capital to start operating. Mr Makata, tempted by the opportunity, agreed to invest US$18 000 in the venture on the promise that profits would be shared equally.
According to the prosecution, the two met on a later date at Big B Mall, located at the corner of Bishop Gaul Avenue and Rekayi Tangwena Avenue.
It was there that Mr Makata handed over US$18 000 cash to Musiwacho. However, Musiwacho allegedly disappeared without fulfilling his end of the agreement.
When questioned about the deal in subsequent months, he became evasive and failed to provide any profits.
Three years later, on November 23, Mr Makata spotted Musiwacho at Habana Lounge during the early hours of the morning and notified police from Braeside Police Station, who swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect.
The total financial prejudice to Mr Makata is US$18 000 and nothing has been recovered.
