Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Zimpapers Reporter
A woman appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday for allegedly defrauding a fellow church member of US$80 919 by falsely claiming to hold a lucrative supply contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Lucia Kunaka was remanded in custody following her appearance before magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
According to the State’s case, in August 2024, Kunaka approached the complainant, Joseph Rashayi, informing him of a high-level investment opportunity.
She claimed to have secured a contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) for the supply of medical equipment but claimed she lacked the necessary funds to execute it.
Kunaka allegedly persuaded Rashayi to finance the purchase of the equipment, promising that upon delivery to the OPC, they would share the profits and his capital would be returned in full. Believing the venture to be legitimate and profitable, Rashayi agreed.
He initially provided Kunaka with US$7 840. She later returned this amount along with an additional US$1 960 as purported profit, thereby gaining his further trust.
In September 2024, Rashayi then advanced Kunaka a total of US$80 919, paid in several instalments.
Kunaka assured him that she had purchased the medical equipment in South Africa and would soon deliver it to the OPC, after which he would receive his principal investment and a share of the profits.
Rashayi waited from September 2024 until August 2025 without receiving any payment or update on the supposed profits. When he inquired, Kunaka began offering endless excuses before eventually becoming evasive and unreachable.
Growing suspicious, Rashayi independently verified the contract with the Office of the President and Cabinet. He was officially advised that Kunaka had never held any such contract with the institution.
Realising he had been defrauded, Rashayi reported the matter to the police, leading to Kunaka’s arrest.
The State alleges that Kunaka acted with the intent to deceive and defraud. The total prejudice suffered by the complainant amounts to US$80 919, and nothing has been recovered.
Kunaka was remanded in custody and the matter is set to proceed in court.
