Police in Zimbabwe have launched a manhunt for a suspected vehicle importer accused of defrauding 17 clients of over US$100,000 in a month.
Evans Dilingilizwe Mbasopi, a director of Siyaya Trading Company, allegedly tricked the 17 clients between January 1 and February 28 this year. He is facing fraud charges.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said an investigation found that the victims approached Siyaya Trading’s offices to pay for vehicle imports from Japan. They were promised delivery within 8 weeks, but only half the money went toward actual vehicle purchases while Mbasopi allegedly pocketed the rest.
As a result, the 17 victims lost around US$102,636 in total without receiving the imported vehicles as promised.
Mbasopi is now a wanted man, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to his arrest. Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station.
