adminZvikomborero Parafini
A SOUTH African firm, Bellarmark Private Limited, lost over R7 million to a suspected fraudster, who falsely claimed he could provide scrap metal in large quantities.
The company’s overall prejudice was about US$380 000.
It was being represented by Lance Kier, who filed a criminal complaint against Dereck Rozva Mushinyi, accusing him of fraud.
Mushinyi was taken to court yesterday and will be back in today for bail considerations.
The court was told that in 2017, Kier met with Mushinyi and was convinced that he could supply scrap metal in large quantities.
On different dates, Mushinyi allegedly instructed Kier to send him money into various South African bank accounts, allegedly amounting to R7 655 386, equivalent to US$380 000.
After paying the money, Kier started receiving unreasonable excuses from Mushinyi, which were inconsistent with their agreement.
Despite Kier’s numerous efforts, Mushinyi remained evasive, prompting him to file a police report.
Investigations revealed that Mushinyi had no licence to export scrap metal and had no capacity to obtain it in large amounts as purported.
Lancelot Mutsokoti prosecuted.
Online Reporter