A 37-year-old Harare woman, Maidei Matibiri, was last week arrested after she allegedly coned a local businessman of $30 150 and R3 600 in a botched up diamond cutting discs deal.
The complainant’s name was not identified in court papers, but Matibiri appeared before provincial Magistrate Shane Kubonera, facing a charge of fraud yesterday and was granted $300 bail.
It is alleged Matibiri, who resides in Queensdale and is also a cross-border trader, committed the crime last month in the company of two men who are still at large.
On May 26 this year, one of Matibiri’s accomplices allegedly called the complainant and introduced himself as a buyer for a non-existent Chinese firm, Mutoko Granite.
On the same day, Matibiri allegedly sent a purchase order for 71 cutting discs on the complainant’s email address.
The purchase order was allegedly on a letterhead of Mutoko Granite with a face value of $51 615.
It is alleged accused’s accomplice then sent a text message using his mobile phone giving the complainant particulars of the person who could supply the items, but was said to be in South Africa.
The complainant in turn telephoned the purported supplier on the South African numbers and was told the items required were readily available.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
It is alleged the supplier offered to meet the complainant with the cutting discs at Beitbridge Border Post where he was to make the payment.
Complainant sent his son, Nathan Tendai Manyuchi, with the money to Beitbridge where the accused was allegedly waiting for him.
Matibiri allegedly gave the complainant’s son 71 cutting discs and was in turn given $30 150 and R3 600.
It is alleged the complainant later realised that the discs were worthless and only valued at three rand each and that Mutoko Granite was non-existent.
As a result the complainant reported the matter to the police and investigations were carried out leading to Matibiri’s arrest.
