Harare Man Loses US$3,200 Lobola Money in Shady Charcoal Investment Scam
A Harare man has been left devastated after losing US$3,200 he had set aside for lobola in a fraudulent investment scheme.
Albert Chikuni reportedly invested the money after being convinced he would receive high returns within a week, only for the funds to allegedly be converted to personal use by the suspect.
Also Read: ‘US$3 Million in 3 Months’: Harare Businessman Scammed Out of US$20,000 in Bogus Investment Scheme
Chance Meeting at Garage
The court heard that Chikuni met Fanuel Madzvamuse at a garage located at number 84B Seke Road in Harare, where both men had taken their vehicles for repairs.
During what was described as a lengthy conversation, Madzvamuse allegedly learned that Chikuni was preparing to pay lobola on December 28 last year. Prosecutors say this information became the basis of a calculated plan to defraud him.
Promises of Quick Returns
According to the State, Madzvamuse falsely claimed he was a licensed businessman involved in charcoal mining. He allegedly produced invoices purporting to show charcoal deliveries made to Irvine’s in an effort to appear legitimate.
On December 15, he allegedly told Chikuni that an investment through him would generate returns of between eight and 11 percent within a week, depending on the amount invested.
Believing the proposal to be genuine, Chikuni handed over US$3,200 and expected to receive US$5,600 by December 21.
Suspect Appears in Court
However, the promised payout never materialised. The court heard that Madzvamuse allegedly converted the money to his own use and later became evasive when Chikuni made repeated follow-ups.
Left with no alternative, Chikuni filed a police report, leading to Madzvamuse’s arrest.
The matter is now before the courts as investigations continue.
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