Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A HARARE man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly duping a prospective miner of US$15 000 in a bogus mining deal.
Simon Musika (36) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Artwell Sanyatwe, where he was granted US$200 bail.
The complainant, Everesto Kamone of Macheke, reportedly lost the money after being misled into believing that Musika was an employee of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development who could facilitate the acquisition of a Special Mining Grant.
Prosecutor Ms Polite Chikiwa told the court that in July 2025, Kamone’s application for a Special Grant to conduct mining activities in the Nyarugwe area of Nyanga had been turned down at the Ministry of Mines office in Mutare.
Determined to pursue the matter, Kamone travelled to Harare on August 1, 2025, seeking assistance from officials at the Ministry of Mines.
While at the offices, Musika allegedly approached him and falsely claimed to be an employee of the ministry with the capacity to secure the grant for a fee of US$20 000.
The court heard that Kamone was persuaded and later visited Musika’s residence, where he met the accused’s wife, Kete Maumba, who allegedly confirmed that her husband worked for the ministry and could assist.
Maumba is already on remand in connection with the matter under Harare Magistrates Court case number CRB HREPN 3010/26.
Believing the representations, Kamone paid Musika US$15 000 in cash, on the understanding that the special grant would be processed within three days.
However, Musika allegedly failed to deliver and instead gave repeated excuses before becoming evasive.
It was later discovered that Musika was not employed by the ministry, prompting Kamone to file a police report.
