SEVENTEEN LOSE US$100K IN BOTCHED CAR DEAL

Arron Nyamayaro

SEVENTEEN people lost more than US$100 000 to a company involved in importing vehicles.

The victims deposited their money to Siyaya Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, owned by Evans Dingilizwe Mbasopi, between January and February.

In a statement, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said Evans, who is on the run, is facing fraud charges.

“Police are investigating fraud cases involving purported import of vehicles on behalf of unsuspecting members of the public by a local company claiming to be a Be Forward agent,” said Ass-Comm Nyathi.

“Investigations carried by the police established that the individuals approached the company’s offices situated at Joina City in Harare where they made payments for the import of purported vehicles from Japan.

“Delivery of the purported vehicles was said to be done within eight weeks after payment.

“Half of the monies paid were, however, channelled towards the purchase of the vehicles while the remainder was converted to own use by the suspects.

“Victims did not receive the vehicles resultantly, 17 people were duped of approximately US$102 636.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of one of the directors of the company,” said Ass-Comm Nyathi.