Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Crime Reporter
A 34-year-old Mutare woman allegedly lost US$7 000 after she was duped into purchasing a 10-hectare gold claim that belonged to another company by a man who later fled to Mozambique.
Police have arrested Philip Matika (53) of Area 16, Dangamvura, Mutare, in connection with the alleged fraud involving Privilege Kashiri, also of Dangamvura.
Matika allegedly misrepresented himself as the owner of the gold claim in Odzi, and sold it to Kashiri before disappearing from the country.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest, and said the alleged offence was committed in September last year.
“On September 7, 2025, Matika approached Kashiri’s brother, Eddie Makadzamaoko (50), and informed him that he was selling a 10-hectare gold claim in Odzi,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said Matika took Makadzamaoko to Odzi and showed him a piece of land which he claimed was his gold claim.
Makadzamaoko subsequently relayed the information to his sister, who expressed interest in purchasing the mining asset.
“On September 8, 2025, Matika met Makadzamaoko again and was advised that Kashiri was willing to buy the claim. They proceeded to Kashiri’s residence where discussions were held, and Matika offered to sell the claim for US$7 000,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The parties later travelled to Mutare’s central business district, where Kashiri allegedly paid Matika US$5 000 as a deposit.
The outstanding US$2 000 was paid later, with affidavits being signed on both occasions as proof of the transaction.
Police said on October 13, 2025, Matika visited Kashiri’s home and collected the remaining US$2 000 balance, bringing the total amount paid to US$7 000.
However, trouble began when Kashiri approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to initiate the transfer of ownership.
“During the process, she produced the documents that had been provided by Matika. Kashiri and an official from the Ministry later visited the alleged claim in Odzi, where she was informed that the mining claim belonged to Bold Plus Investments,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Realising she had allegedly been duped, Kashiri contacted Matika, and demanded a refund.
It is alleged that Matika became evasive and subsequently fled to Mozambique, frustrating efforts to recover the money.
“Efforts to recover the money were fruitless as Matika became evasive and left the country for Mozambique,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The matter resurfaced on August 16 when Kashiri reportedly learnt that Matika had returned to his residence in Dangamvura.
She confronted him and demanded her money before reporting the matter to ZRP Dangamvura, leading to his arrest.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations are continuing.
Value defrauded is US$7 000 and nothing was recovered.
