Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
FOUR men, including two Chinese nationals, appeared in court on Friday, accused of defrauding a Chinese-owned casino of US$50 000.
The accused Chaojie Wang (37), Zhang Pingping, Rodgers Nchema (28) and Wellington Chisamba (35) are facing charges of cheating under Section 61 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act.
Represented by lawyers Mr Takudzwa Nyambira and Mr Takura Kuchenga, the accused contested their placement on remand.
However, magistrate Ruth Moyo dismissed their application, ruling that the State had established reasonable suspicion of their involvement in the alleged offence.
The accused were remanded in custody pending a full bail hearing scheduled for today.
The complainant in the case is Suncity Casino.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu alleged that between January 13 and February 3, 2026, Chaojie Wang and Zhang Pingping conspired to cheat during Niu Niu Poker games.
They allegedly exchanged playing cards, added game chips after rounds were completed, and paid bribes to the dealer and supervisor Nchema and Chisamba to facilitate the fraud.
The rules of Niu Niu Poker prohibit players from exchanging cards, altering chip counts after games, or compensating casino staff.
However, CCTV footage reportedly captured the accused violating these rules, allowing the two Chinese nationals to illegally profit.
The total amount stolen is US$50 000, and none of the stolen funds have been recovered.
