Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
TWO people have appeared in court for allegedly defrauding multiple companies of over US$5 000 using forged national identity documents.
Hazvineyi Chakwa (37) and Farai Sengai (26) appeared before Magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo on fraud charges.
They were remanded in custody, pending the outcome of their bail application. In the first case, Two Strings Financial Services, represented by its chief executive officer, Peter Chokunyanya Mapuranga, is the complainant.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that in October 2025, the two accused connived to mislead and defraud the complainant.
They reportedly approached Munashe Ronald Charamba, claiming to own a butchery in Stoneridge and seeking a loan of US$1 500 to expand their business.
To support their claim, Chakwa presented a fake national identity card bearing the name Milia Akabukwa, while Sengai produced another fake ID in the name of Prince Masunda.
The duo also left the registration book of a Honda Fit (registration AEQ 9885) in the name of Wise Marodza as collateral.
Based on their misrepresentation, they were granted a loan of US$1 053. However, the fraud was discovered, and the complainant suffered a total loss of US$1 053, of which only US$196 was recovered.
In the second case, also involving the same complainant, the prosecution alleges that in December 2025, the accused used similar tactics to defraud another company representative, Tinashe Pfumai.
The duo claimed to own a butchery in Epworth and requested a loan of US$1 200 to boost their business.
Chakwa used a forged ID in the name of Kayerudza Linda, while Sengai used one under the name Kurapa Leon Wengai.
They also left the registration book of a Nissan AD Van (registration AHC 2306) in the name of Mazaiwana Cathrine as collateral.
As a result, they were granted a loan of US$700. The complainant suffered a total loss of US$700, though US$250 was recovered.
In the third case, Eshindi Financial Services, represented by its loss control manager, Mr Zhawu Maxwell, is the complainant.
The prosecution alleges that in July 2024, the accused employed the same fraudulent tactics to secure a loan.
The court heard that the accused targeted financial institutions by fabricating identities and falsely claiming to operate legitimate businesses.
