Harare Businessman Swindled of Over US$50,000 in Fake Customs Clearance Deal

A Harare-based businessman has lost more than US$50,000 after falling victim to an alleged scam involving a man posing as a customs clearing agent at Beitbridge Border Post.

The suspect, identified as Tichaona Mupo Mhlakaza, appeared in court over the weekend facing fraud allegations. He was not asked to enter a plea and is expected to return to court today for a bail hearing.

According to prosecutors, the complainant, Peter Sine, purchased four tipper trucks in Durban, South Africa, early last year with the intention of importing them into Zimbabwe. While seeking assistance with the customs clearance process, he was introduced to Mhlakaza, who claimed to be a registered ZIMRA clearing agent.

Mhlakaza allegedly assured Sine that he could process the clearance of the trucks at a cost of US$52,792. On 20 January, the accused reportedly sent Sine a document purporting to be proof of payment, showing that 1,626,000 ZiG had been paid to ZIMRA through a company called Globetrek Logistics.

Later that same day, the two met in Harare at the intersection of Fifth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, where Sine handed over the full amount in cash.

However, concerns arose when the trucks were not cleared. On 2 February, Sine made inquiries with ZIMRA and was informed that no duty payment had been received for the vehicles. Further checks revealed that the proof of payment he had been shown was fraudulent.

When confronted, Mhlakaza allegedly redirected Sine to a third individual, Lloyd Mawadze, raising further suspicion. Realising he had been deceived, Sine reported the matter to ZRP Fife Avenue, leading to Mhlakaza’s arrest.

Police say no money has been recovered so far, and investigations are ongoing.