MD defrauds fellow company boss of US$26k

Michael Mashiri

The director of Mherdikhem Investments Private Limited, Edgar Mashindi, has been arraigned to court for allegedly defrauding Relmac Technologies Private Limited boss of US$26 000 after he was handed over 4 000 Covid-19 test kits and disappeared without paying.

Mashindi, 52, of Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts accused of fraud.

The complainant in the matter is Ellas Chadavaenzi, who is the Managing Director of Relmac Technologies Private Limited a company that is in the business of medical and laboratory supplies.

Mashindi is being charged in his personal capacity.

The State, through prosecutor Zororai Nkomo, alleges that, on March 19, 2021, Chidavaenzi was referred to Mashindi by one Joel Mambara that he was looking for Covid-19 test kits.

On March 22, Chidavaenzi contacted Mashindi and they agreed that Mashindi would make a cash payment to him upon receiving the Covid-19 test kits.

Mashindi then lied to Chidavaenzi that he had cash amounting to US$26 000 to purchase 4 000 Covid-19 test kits while he knew that he did not have such money.

On the same date, Mashindi invited Chidavaenzi to Swift Depot Central Avenue, Harare where he received the 4 000 Covid-19 test kits.

Mashindi signed a delivery note to show that he had received the goods and told Chidavaenzi that he was going to collect cash from his car which was at the parking area but went away with the test kits.

Chidavaenzi looked for Mashindi but could not find him, prompting him to report the matter to the police.

On May 22, 2023, Mashindi was arrested in Harare Central Business District.

As a result of Mashindi’s actions, Chidavaenzi lost US$26 000.

Mangosi postponed Mashindi’s case to Monday, 29.