Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested a 40-year-old foreign national, Johnny Herman Saaiman, who is accused of orchestrating a cross-border fraud scheme that defrauded local businesses of more than US$17 000.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said Saaiman, who arrived in Zimbabwe in June, targeted companies by offering to procure groceries and other supplies from South Africa at “wholesale prices.”
“Saaiman initially approached one company, persuading them to pay a deposit of US$6 000. He later manipulated the arrangement to secure an additional US$2 000 by claiming he could deliver the goods within a week. Once he received the funds, he disappeared without a trace. This pattern of deception continued as he moved on to other businesses, exploiting their trust until suspicions were raised,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Commissioner Nyathi said Saaiman later resurfaced at another wholesale shop, claiming he had goods worth US$41 000 in South Africa that he could supply.
“He was paid US$6 000 as a security deposit before vanishing again. On 1 August, he approached a leading confectionery shop in Bulawayo, claiming he could supply powdered sugar. They paid him a US$3 000 deposit, after which he again disappeared,” he said.
As news of Saaiman’s fraudulent activities spread, affected companies began communicating via a shared platform.
“They realised they had all fallen victim to the same scammer, prompting us to launch investigations. It became increasingly clear that heightened vigilance and proactive measures were needed to guard against fraudsters operating within the business community,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the collaborative efforts between the aggrieved companies and the police led to Saaiman’s arrest. Upon his arrest, police also discovered untagged minerals in his possession, raising further questions about his activities in the city.
“Notably, it was also revealed that Saaiman’s immigration documents were not in order. He was scheduled to leave the country just a day after his arrest,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He urged businesses to conduct thorough background checks before engaging with new partners.
“I advise companies to verify the authenticity of individuals, especially those making enticing offers. This call to action is vital for fostering a secure business environment and preventing similar incidents in future,” said the police spokesperson.
