Wanted: Woman in $300 000 fraud

Police in Harare have launched a hunt for Gracious Mukucha (30), who is alleged to have committed fraud involving close to $300 000.

ZRP CID acting provincial community relations and liaison officer Detective Assistant Inspector Pretty Rushwaya said Mukucha was arrested in January this year together with three suspected accomplices.

The quartet was remanded out of custody to June 6.

Mukucha absconded, leading to a Harare magistrate issuing a warrant of arrest. The woman, whose national registration number is 42-207 090 W24, is last known to have stayed at 4031 Glaudina near Kuwadzana in Harare.

In a statement, Detective Assistant Inspector Rushwaya alleged the suspect had defrauded $281 980 from Forltune Investments, a broking company involved in construction services and ICT.

“The suspect was once employed by BL Harbert International Company and was dismissed in July 2016,” said Detective Assistant Inspector Rushwaya.

“The suspect . . . connived with her accomplices . . . and misrepresented that BL Harbert International had been awarded a tender to construct offices for the USA embassy in Westgate, Harare.”

It is alleged that the suspects and directors at Forltune struck a deal for the latter to fund the tender through three companies that had been created to provide various services. The complainant then deposited the money into the suspects’ bank account, only to discover the fraud through fake invoices.

“Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact CID Commercial Crimes Division Northern Region on 04-753543-7 or the nearest police station,” said Detective Assistant Inspector Rushwaya.