A sophisticated scam involving fake delivery notes and diverted shipments has led to the arrest of two men accused of stealing 700 tonnes of grain maize destined for National Foods Zimbabwe.
Tendai Jacob Mugadza, 50, and Kudakwashe Chiwaridzo, 39, are set to appear in court on February 26, facing charges of theft of trust property involving US$232,333.48, equivalent to approximately R3.8 million.
The complainant is Cyprus Trucking, a regional transport company operating across Southern Africa, represented by Wesley Thompson.
According to court documents, Cyprus Trucking was subcontracted by South African firm Northwest Bulk Transporters to transport grain maize from South Africa to Zimbabwe. Cyprus Trucking, in turn, subcontracted Ndlovu Grains (Private) Limited, a Zimbabwean-registered company, to carry out the deliveries.
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Between November 12 and December 1, 2025, Ndlovu Grains received 40 truckloads of grain maize, weighing a total of 1,480 tonnes, from Cyprus Trucking in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The consignment was destined for National Foods in Harare.
However, only 21 truckloads were delivered to National Foods. The remaining 19 truckloads, weighing about 700 tonnes, were allegedly diverted to Grindsberg Investment, trading as Oriental Private Limited, in Harare.
The diverted maize was allegedly sold, and fake delivery notes were created to mislead Cyprus Trucking into believing that the entire consignment had been delivered to National Foods.
The scam came to light in December 2025 after Cyprus Trucking noticed non-payment for the 19 missing truckloads. Investigations revealed the alleged forgery, prompting the company to file a police report.
This led to the arrest of Tererai Shepard, who has since appeared in court. Shepard allegedly implicated Mugadza and Chiwaridzo, who are currently at large, along with Ndlovu Grains directors Sibongile Ndlovu and Blessed Musademba.
The total value of the stolen grain maize is estimated at US$232,333.48. No recoveries have been made.
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