A suspected serial fraudster, Allen Thindwa Mzamu (54), is facing fresh charges after allegedly defrauding a prominent Harare businesswoman of US$1400 in a sophisticated scam that involved the creation of fake national identity documents.
Mzamu, who is believed to be part of a syndicate targeting businesses for millions of dollars, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Simon Kandiyero on August 15, 2024, facing charges of fraud. He was remanded in custody pending his bail ruling.
The complainant, Mrs Sharon Tokoda (42), a director of ALKI International (Pvt) Ltd, fell victim to Mzamu’s elaborate scheme in June 2024. Tokoda had placed an advertisement on WhatsApp groups seeking two 34-tonne trucks to transport sugar from Mazambuka in Zambia to Schweppes Zimbabwe.
Mzamu, posing as “Guruve Johannes” and claiming to represent Bullrock Transport and Logistics Limited, responded to the advertisement. He assured Tokoda that he had the necessary trucks and could handle the sugar transportation.
To further convince Tokoda, Mzamu presented a national identity card bearing the name “Guruve Johannes,” which later proved to be a forgery. He then requested US$1400 in cash to cover fuel costs for the trucks.
Tokoda, believing Mzamu’s fabricated persona, handed over the requested funds. However, Mzamu failed to fulfill his promise and instead became evasive, leaving Tokoda with a significant financial loss.
The case against Mzamu is particularly concerning as it highlights the growing trend of sophisticated fraud schemes targeting businesses in Zimbabwe. Mzamu’s alleged use of forged identity documents and his ability to convincingly portray himself as a legitimate transport operator underscores the need for heightened vigilance among businesses.
This latest incident comes as Mzamu is already facing trial on a separate fraud charge involving a staggering R1.2 million. The trial, however, was postponed on August 15th as Mzamu was applying for bail on the new charges in a different court.
Mzamu’s case is scheduled to resume on August 22nd. He is currently facing three counts of fraud and one count of possession of articles for criminal use.
