Bryn Mteki, Company Face US$20,000 Fraud Allegations

Sculptor and musician Bryn Taurai Mteki and his company, Bryn Brands (Private) Limited, have appeared in court facing allegations of stealing US$20,000 from a former business partner following a failed chrome concentrate procurement deal.

Mteki, who directs the company, appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai charged with theft of trust property.

He was remanded out of custody to November 10 for the commencement of trial. The complainant is Thomas William Craven.

According to the State, Mteki received US$20,000 on August 8, 2025, as a security deposit for a chrome concentrate procurement transaction. The money was meant to be returned to Craven if the deal did not proceed.

The court heard that Mteki signed a petty cash voucher acknowledging receipt of the funds, which were subsequently held by Pneumogro (Private) Limited.

Prosecutors allege that on December 20, 2025, Mteki sent a message to Tonderai Machaka of Pneumogro, falsely claiming that Craven had voluntarily withdrawn from the transaction.

The State said an acknowledgement of receipt dated August 13, 2025, between Machaka and Bryn Brands could be presented as evidence in the case.

It is further alleged that in 2026, Mteki collected the US$20,000 security deposit from Pneumogro but failed to return it to Craven as agreed.

Instead, prosecutors allege, he converted the money to his own use.

Craven reportedly approached the police after discovering that the funds had not been returned.

The alleged amount involved is US$20,000, and the State says none of the money has been recovered.

Mteki and his company are facing allegations that have yet to be tested in court.