Story by Parvel Makona
A 42-year-old pastor appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with defrauding a Harare woman of US$7 200 in a botched car import deal.
Kudakwashe Singizi is accused of duping 26-year-old Ropafadzo Mukanhiri after allegedly misrepresenting himself as an agent of Japanese online vehicle marketplace BE FORWARD.
Prosecutors allege that sometime last year Singizi claimed he could facilitate the importation of a Honda Vezel on Mukanhiri’s behalf. Acting on that representation, she allegedly paid him US$7 200 for the purchase.
The State contends that Singizi failed to deliver the vehicle or refund the money, thereby prejudicing Mukanhiri of the full amount.
“In that on the 16th of July 2025 and at Shasha Mall corner Kwame Nkrumah and L. Takawira road in Harare, Kudakwashe Singizi unlawfully and intentionally misrepresented to Ropafadzo Mukanhiri that he was an agent for Beforward and he can purchase and import a motor vehicle Honda Vezel. Singizi Kudakwashe’s misrepresentation caused Mukanhairi Ropafadzo to act upon this misrepresentation and make payment of US$7200,00 for Honda Vezel. In actual fact Singizi Kudakwashe knew very well that he was not an Agent for BE FORWARD or capable to import motor vehicle. When Singizi Kudakwashe made the misrepresentation, intended to deceive Mukanhairi Ropafadzo to act upon the misrepresentation to the prejudice of US$7200,00,” read the charge sheet.
Singizi was granted US$100 bail pending investigations. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered not to interfere with witnesses, to reside at his given address and to report once every fortnight at his nearest police station.
The matter is set to return to court as investigations continue.
