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By Dickson "Dex" Chitake
HARARE – Three suspected fraudsters have been arrested in separate cases involving alleged vehicle importation scams and fraudulent land transactions that left victims counting losses amounting to more than US$177,000.
The arrests come as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) raises concern over a growing trend of fraudsters using social media platforms and online advertisements to lure unsuspecting members of the public into fake motor vehicle importation schemes and fraudulent property deals.
According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Commercial Crimes Division arrested Caution Madiro Chikonamombe (31) of Hatfield, Harare, in connection with three separate fraud cases involving the purported importation of motor vehicles.
CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said investigations established that the suspect allegedly misrepresented himself as an agent capable of importing vehicles on behalf of clients.
In one of the cases, which occurred in October 2025, the suspect allegedly received US$9,000 from a complainant for the importation of a Honda Grace. He reportedly claimed that the vehicle had already been shipped, but it was never delivered.
In a second incident on January 29, 2026, another complainant allegedly paid the suspect US$5,000 as a deposit towards the importation of a motor vehicle. After repeated promises and failure to deliver the vehicle, the complainant realised they had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.
In a third case, the suspect allegedly prejudiced another complainant of US$12,100 under similar circumstances.
Police confirmed that Chikonamombe has since been arrested and appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court, where he is facing fraud charges.
In a separate case, police arrested Desmond Rutsito (42) of Madokero, Harare, and Leeroy Manyange (28) of Zengeza, Chitungwiza, for allegedly defrauding a complainant of US$151,000 through the purported sale of non-existent commercial stands in Southerton, Aspindale and Glenroy Township in Harare.
Investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly misrepresented that they had legitimate commercial stands available for sale, inducing the complainant to part with substantial sums of money before it was discovered that the properties did not exist or could not legally be sold.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting business involving high-value assets such as motor vehicles and land.
Detective Inspector Muteweri urged prospective buyers to carry out thorough due diligence before making any payments, warning that fraudsters continue to exploit social media, online marketplaces and informal advertising platforms to deceive unsuspecting victims.
She encouraged members of the public to verify vehicle importation agents, confirm land ownership with the relevant local authorities, the Deeds Registry and property developers, insist on authentic documentation, and avoid making payments before completing all necessary verification procedures.
Police also advised the public to be cautious of deals that appear unusually cheap or require urgent payment, as these are common tactics used by fraudsters to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.
Authorities have further urged anyone who suspects fraudulent activity or has fallen victim to a scam to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station. Prompt reporting increases the chances of recovering stolen property, tracing suspects and preventing further victims.
The arrests underscore the Zimbabwe Republic Police's continued efforts to combat commercial crime and serve as a reminder that vigilance and proper verification remain the public's strongest defence against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
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