Manhunt Launched For Artwell Kashiri Over Alleged US$34K Fake Stands Scam

A Zimbabwean couple has gone public with allegations of a US$34,000 land scam involving a man identified as Artwell Kashiri, claiming they were sold residential stands that allegedly did not belong to him.

The matter is now under investigation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), with the complainants confirming that a warrant of arrest has already been issued for Kashiri, who is currently believed to be on the run.

According to the victims, the transactions were conducted through Lomlight Investments Private Limited offices in Belvedere, Harare, where all agreements were reportedly processed and payments made. Receipts bearing the company’s name were allegedly issued to the buyers as proof of payment.

However, the couple says they later discovered that the land in question belonged to other individuals after they were allegedly confronted and accused of trespassing by the rightful owners.

“We later discovered that the stands did not belong to him after my husband and I were accused of trespassing by the real owners of the land,” the complainant said.

The victims claim that after they confronted Kashiri over the issue, he allegedly disappeared without refunding the money.

They further allege that lawyers linked to the transaction later distanced themselves from the suspect, claiming he acted independently and without the company’s approval. Despite this, the complainants insist that all dealings took place at the company’s offices and under its name.

The complainant also revealed that the company and lawyers allegedly drafted a written undertaking promising to repay the money on Kashiri’s behalf. More than a year later, however, no repayment has reportedly been made.

“I believe there may be other victims who were scammed in the same way, and I encourage them to come forward so that justice can be served,” the complainant added.

The victims say they have complied with all police procedures and were granted permission to publicly share details of the case as investigations continue.

Authorities and the complainants suspect Kashiri could be hiding in either Nyanga or Chipinge. A reward of US$1,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is being urged to contact the complainant on 0788885370 or report to the nearest police station.