Mathew Masinge
Two men appeared in court yesterday charged with fraud after allegedly defrauding a businessman of US$46 000 in a botched cement deal.
Tendai Mangwiro (51) and Samson Mutereko (56) appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with fraud.
The two had requested seven truckloads of Dangote cement from a local supplier, who is the complainant in this matter.
The State said on November 14, Mangwiro, Mutereko and two others still at large, requested 4 400 bags, and the complainant supplied only 3000 bags the following day.
The complainant had hoped to sell each bag for $15, but the group allegedly sold the cement on the black market for $11 a bag.
Mangwiro and his crew had promised to pay US$46 500 upon delivery.
After delivery, the complainant requested payment from Mangwiro, but was told that money had already been deposited in his bank account, but there was nothing.
The court heard that Mangwiro and his accomplices switched off their mobile phones and complainant could not reach them.
On November 19, the complainant received information that the cement had been sold at US$11 per bag on the black market.
The court noted that Mangwiro has other pending fraud cases and was once convicted of unlawful entry.
The pair’s bail was opposed by the State.
They are expected back in court today for bail consideration.