Christian, the 21-year-old son of former Cabinet Minister Savior Kasukwere, lost nearly R550,000 in a failed grocery supply deal.
Suspects Jethro Mubaiwa (32) and Jonathan Mbonga (25) appeared on Saturday last week before Harare magistrate Ethel Chichira who remanded them in custody. Christian and Mbonga reportedly know each other in social circles.
The state case states that on July 30 last year, Christian wanted to buy groceries from South Africa and contacted Mbonga who indicated that he knew Mubaiwa and could help.
On the same day, Mubaiwa telephoned the complainant and confirmed that he was a grocery supplier from South Africa.
Mbonga allegedly informed Christian that Mubaiwa had an account at FNB Bank in South Africa to deposit money to buy groceries.
It is alleged that on the same date, Christian instructed Albert Chari, an employee of his father based in South Africa, to transfer the sum of R544,500 to the said bank account in South Africa. After transferring the funds, Christian sent copies of proof of payment to Mbonga. via WhatsApp and later confirmed that Mubaiwa had received the money.
He was told that the groceries would be delivered in the next three days.
Christian reportedly requested to meet both Mbonga and Mubaiwa to discuss import routes and they agreed to meet at Belvedere Square in Harare.
At Belvedere Square, Mbonga formally presented Mubaiwa to Christian.
However, it is alleged that during the conversation, a misunderstanding arose which led to Mbonga and Mubwa choosing to cancel the deal and offering to repay Christian US$33,000 which equates to ZAR 544,500.
Mbonga and Mubaiwa reportedly got out of Christian’s car and pretended that they were going to take the said US$33,000 from their car, but suddenly drove away. Christian filed a police report, after realizing he had been scammed.
Investigations showed that the account that was used to receive the stolen money belonged to Mubaiwa’s older brother, Admir Mbaiwa, who is already in pre-trial detention on the same charges.
The total value compromised is R544 500 and nothing has been recovered. Newsday
