Man Loses US$18K in Gold Scam, Suspect Arrested 3 Years Later After Getting Spotted in Nightclub

Man Loses US$18K in Gold Scam, Suspect Arrested 3 Years Later After Getting Spotted in Nightclub

What began as a promising business opportunity ended in a costly lesson for a Harare man, who lost US$18,000 in a gold investment scam. Nearly three years later, he located the suspect inside a popular nightclub.

Nightclub Spot Leads to Arrest

Police swooped in on Simbarashe Rewayi Nyasha Musiwacho (33) at Habana Lounge after the complainant, George Makata, recognised him during the early hours of November 23 and alerted officers from Braeside Police Station.

The dramatic arrest has revived a case Makata thought would never be resolved.

Also Read: Zimbabwe-Based Chinese Duo Arrested in Zambia with US$2.3 Million Gold Hidden in Car Doors

Court Appearance

Musiwacho was brought before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo on Monday.
He is facing fraud charges and was remanded in custody to November 25, when the court is expected to rule on his bail application.

Also Read: Chinese Syndicate Smuggles US$10m Gold In Zimbabwe Scandal, Declares Less Than 4kg To Authorities

Investment Deal That Never Existed

Authorities say the dispute traces back to early 2022, when Makata was introduced to Musiwacho by a mutual acquaintance.

Musiwacho allegedly claimed to be a licensed gold buyer looking for capital to launch operations. Believing it was a genuine opportunity, Makata agreed to fund the venture.

The two later met at Big B Mall, where Makata handed over US$18 000 in cash.
That meeting turned out to be the last time the complainant saw any sign of progress — or his money. Investigators say Musiwacho disappeared soon after and repeatedly avoided accountability.