Man in Court for Hijacking Farmer's ARDA Loan

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 39-year-old man from Concession has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly hijacking a farmer’s ARDA loan by colluding with an agronomist who is still on the run.

Patrick Matadi appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo at the Harare Magistrates' Court charged with fraud.

According to the prosecution led by Takudzwa Jambawu, the incident dates back to October 14, 2024, when the complainant received a loan from ARDA Seed Company to cultivate 25 hectares of land. The package included seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals.

On November 28, 2024, the complainant was approached by Matadi and an agronomist identified as Chaita Dzima. The two allegedly told the complainant that his contract with ARDA had been terminated and transferred to Matadi’s name, as he was the registered owner of the land being used.

Believing the claim, the complainant surrendered all the inputs he had collected to Matadi.

However, in January 2025, ARDA Seed Company contacted the complainant to collect his advance payment for the project. It was then that the complainant discovered his contract had not been officially terminated.

Further investigations revealed that Matadi and Dzima had allegedly used the complainant’s details to fraudulently apply for another loan for 50 hectares, which was approved.

Dzima is still at large, and investigations are ongoing.