A Sunningdale man has been dragged to court on fraud allegations involving US$17,740 in a botched cocoa powder partnership deal.
Adent Tonderai Chatikobo ,32, of Sunningdale appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing fraud charges.
The State alleges that in February 2025, Chatikobo entered into a verbal business agreement with the complainant, Tsitsi Zimhindo, to source and sell cocoa powder for profit.
The pair identified Taizhou Stars Company in Eastlea, Harare, as their supplier.
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On August 26, 2025, Chatikobo allegedly misled Zimhindo into believing he had secured buyers for the product. Without her knowledge, he allegedly loaded 100 bags of cocoa powder (25kg each) and sold them for US$20,000.
However, he did not remit the proceeds to his business partner.
Upon making inquiries, Zimhindo discovered that the consignment had been sold to Black Brands Bakery, owned by Lot Chikwata in Bulawayo. She managed to recover US$3 500, leaving a shortfall of US$16 500.
Further allegations indicate that on September 8, Chatikobo again loaded 78 bags of cocoa powder and sold them for US$10 740. He reportedly surrendered only US$9 500, leaving US$1,240 unaccounted for.
After repeated unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds and receiving unsatisfactory explanations from Chatikobo, Zimhindo filed a report at Avondale Police Station.
Chatikobo was granted US$200 bail and is expected back in court soon.
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