Story by Parvel Makona
A HARARE businessman has appeared in court facing fraud and forgery charges linked to a failed petroleum investment deal and an alleged attempt to seize control of a service station venture.
Bright Madziro is accused of forging legal documents, including affidavits and delivery notes, to unlawfully claim an interest in a petroleum business owned by Mega Petroleum director, Washington Ziki.
The court heard that in April 2016, Ziki entered into a business partnership with Madziro and his alleged accomplice, Alban Mazhiriri, who remains at large.
Under the agreement, Madziro and Mazhiriri were expected to inject US$100 000 into Mega Petroleum for recapitalisation, with profits to be shared equally once the business became operational.
Prosecutors allege the two failed to fulfil their financial obligations, prompting Ziki to terminate the agreement and seek alternative funding from South Africa.
The State further alleges that after Ziki opened a new service station in Southlea Park in 2019, Madziro attempted to force his way into the venture through forged documents.
In December 2025, Mazhiriri allegedly filed a High Court application seeking a declaratory order against Ziki, while Madziro reportedly submitted a founding affidavit claiming he had paid Mega Petroleum US$16 000 towards the development of the service station.
Madziro was granted bail and is expected back in court on May 11.
