US$76k fraud lands man in court

Ashley Mujoma

A HARARE man yesterday appeared in court on fraud charges involving over US$76000 after he allegedly duped a local contractor.

Tafirenyika Mariga appeared before magistrate, Dennis Mangosi, who remanded him in custody.

The complainant is Cangrow Trading (Pvt) Limited, represented by Bangera Mahendranum Mahabalala, the transport manager.

The court heard that Mariga, working in connivance with one Tafadzwa and Silvia, who are still at large, approached James Mukundidze, the Weighbridge attendant at Cangrow Trading, and sought assistance to get a transport contract.

Mukundidze gave them the requirements and Mariga teamed up with his accomplices and they took Menorah Freight company documents to Cangrow Trading.

They were then offered a contract to transport cooking oil to Pick n Pay Bulawayo and Pick n Pay Msasa.

They engaged Menorah Freight company.

Mariga financed the costs, which included fuel, toll fees and transporting fees.

Mariga and his accomplices were given 800 boxes of cooking oil and 790 boxes of cooking oil by Cangrow Trading, to transport to Pick n Pay, Bulawayo.

Mariga and his accomplices diverted the consignment to Chitungwiza where they offloaded and sold the cooking oil.

The complainant later discovered this offence and reported to the police leading to Mariga’s arrest.

Due to this misrepresentation, the complainant suffered a total prejudice of US$76 612.50 and nothing was recovered.