Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza, Harare Bureau
A 43-YEAR-OLD man who impersonated the former Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa has appeared in court after defrauding an unsuspecting victim of US$2 975.
Tinashe Munhuweyi was facing fraud charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rufaro Panavanhu.
He was remanded in custody until January 21 for bail application.
The complainant in the case is Mr Webster Marechera.
The court heard that in December 2025, Munhuweyi devised a plan to defraud Marechera. He contacted him while impersonating Ambassador David Hamadziripi, the former Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, misrepresenting that his son’s vehicle had broken down in Victoria Falls and that he needed financial assistance.
The unsuspecting Marechera acted on this misrepresentation and transferred US$180 into EcoCash account number 0780255929, which was provided by Munhuweyi.
Continuing to pose as Ambassador Hamadziripi, Munhuweyi further misled Mr Marechera by stating that his mother was unwell in Chiredzi, requesting money for purported medical bills.
Mr Marechera transferred an additional US$2 770 to the accused in installments from December 30, 2025 to January 7 this year.
The complainant later realised he had been duped and reported the matter to the police.
The total amount defrauded is US$2 975 and nothing has been recovered.
Bongani Ndlovu