South African remanded over fraud, precious stones charges

A South African national, Johnny Herman Saaiman, who is allegedly involved in fraudulent activities and the illegal possession of precious stones, has been remanded in custody until September 29, pending trial.

Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira, dismissed Saaiman’s application to have the matter removed from remand.

In his court submissions, Saaiman — represented by his lawyer, Mr Tawanda Tavengwa of Mutuso Taruvinga and Mhiribidi Attorneys — argued that the case stemmed from a contractual misunderstanding, where a delay in the delivery of goods was mistakenly interpreted as fraud.

He further told the court that the State had failed to provide conclusive evidence regarding the alleged illegal possession of precious stones, and he questioned the authenticity of the minerals found in his possession.

Despite the defence’s arguments, Mr Dzira ruled that the case would proceed as scheduled, based on the evidence already presented.

Saaiman is facing three counts of fraud related to failed grocery supply deals with various Bulawayo-based companies, in addition to a charge of illegal possession of precious stones.

Prosecuting, Mr Acumen Khupe told the court that Saaiman’s alleged fraudulent activities began on June 10 this year, when he reportedly defrauded a wholesale grocery shop of US$6 000.

Mr Khupe added that between June 13 and 17, the accused went on to defraud a home and grocery shop of US$12 340.

On the third count, the court heard that Saaiman defrauded a confectionery company of US$3 000.
“Sometime in May 2025, the complainant was informed that the accused could import groceries from South Africa to Zimbabwe at an affordable price. On 31 May 2025, the accused met with the complainant’s manager to discuss the terms and conditions of the deal,” said Mr Khupe.

He said that on June 5, the complainant met with the accused again, and they finalised a quotation valued at US$41 092.

“The accused requested a deposit of US$16 437,20, but the complainant was hesitant to proceed due to a lack of trust. Despite the accused’s insistence, no payment was made on that date,” Mr Khupe said.

On the fourth count, Saaiman is charged with illegal possession of precious stones, after he was allegedly found in possession of emeralds.

“On 23 September 2025, at around 2PM, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Commercial Crimes Division (Southern Region) arrested the accused, who was driving a Ford Ranger (registration number MC37YT GP), on fraud charges at the corner of Lobengula Street and 13th Avenue, Bulawayo,” said Mr Khupe.

Upon arrest, both Saaiman and his vehicle were searched, leading to the alleged discovery of four emerald stones hidden in a small compartment above the vehicle’s interior rear-view mirror.

The accused was asked to produce a licence authorising him to possess the stones, but he failed to do so.
“The accused and the exhibits were referred to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, Bulawayo, for further handling,” Mr Khupe said.