Benedict Makore a bogus auto trader allegedly defrauded a businessman in Harare out of $46,000 by promising to get him a Toyota Prado from Japan.
Benedict Makore, the defendant, was charged with fraud and made an appearance in court over the weekend.
Douglas Richard Stewart Beattie approached Makore on June 18, 2018, the court claims, in order to help him purchase a 2019 Toyota Prado.
According to the prosecution, Makore promised Beattie that he could work as an agent and buy the car from Japan for US$46,500, with a two- to three-month delivery window after the payment date.
Beattie is said to have paid US$32,500 as the car’s down payment on July 19 in front of his fiancée Jennifer Bristow. Makore signed to confirm receipt of this payment.
Beattie paid Makore an additional $14,000 on August 4 and both sides signed a Proof of Payment. Beattie followed up with Makore after three months had gone by without the automobile arriving, but Makore made excuses and never did. Beattie claimed that Makore started to disappear, so he filed a police report.
ALSO READ: Woman Caught Again with Husband’s Best Friend After Viral Affair
In another story, A Chitungwiza resident finds himself out of pocket by a staggering US$5,600 after falling victim to a fraudulent cabin house deal.
Ponai Matsenyengwa, aged 46, became entangled in the deceptive web spun by Tariro Ndoro, who purported to operate a timber cabin supply company. The unfortunate encounter unfolded in Greendale, where Ponai first engaged with Ndoro.
In a bid to secure what he believed to be a legitimate business transaction, Chitungwiza man Ponai handed over a deposit of US$3,900 to Ndoro back in October of the previous year. Assured by promises of a high-quality timber cabin, Ponai proceeded to make the final payment of US$1,700 on January 29th.
