Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THREE people have been arrested on allegations of fraud and money laundering involving US$34 500 meant for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s exhibition stand at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
The trio has since appeared before the Bulawayo Regional Court facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
They are Rubbie (54) and Ashel (35) Chinanai, both from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, and Tichawanda Kevin Chinyande (31) from Southview in Harare.
It is alleged that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe contracted Kutting Edge Events to construct an exhibition stand for US$34 500.
Payment was to be made in two instalments, with the first half to be deposited into the company’s Steward Bank account.
However, the accused, acting with accomplices still at large, allegedly hacked into the contractor’s email system and fraudulently changed the banking details.
As a result, on August 28 2025, RBZ unknowingly deposited US$17 250 into Rubbie Chinanai’s Stanbic Bank account, followed by another US$17 250 on September 2, 2025.
Investigations revealed that the money was then laundered through several accounts and withdrawals.
Rubbie Chinanai allegedly transferred US$6 500 to Ashel Chinanai’s NMB account, while another US$6 500 was withdrawn and sent via Mukuru to a South African contact, Richard Nyadongo, with Ashel receiving a US$250 commission.
Ashel also withdrew US$6 500 from her NMB account and deposited it into Chinyande’s ZB account on the instructions of another suspect, Arnold Kasasa, who is still at large.
The Court granted bail on conditions that each accused deposit US$150 as recognisance, not interfere with witnesses, and reside at their given addresses until finalisation of the matter.
In addition, the third accused, Chinyande, was instructed to surrender his passport to the Clerk of Court.
All three are required to report to ZRP Bulawayo Central every Friday. The case was remanded to September 30, 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority said, “Cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering are growing threats that undermine trust in financial systems. Individuals and institutions must remain alert when conducting digital transactions. Those who abuse technology to siphon public funds will be prosecuted.”
