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David Chapfika

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
Former deputy Finance Minister and Zanu-pf Mutoko South MP David Chapfika was duped of $20 000 meant to import a car for his daughter from South Africa.

The suspected conman Marshal Chidawu (36) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe.

He is facing fraud charges and was remanded to July 7 on $200 bail.

Mr Mahwe ordered him to surrender his passport, report every Monday at CID Frauds, to reside at the given address and not to interfere with State witnesses as part of his bail conditions.

The complainant in the matter is the legislator Chapfika.

The court heard that Chidawu is a professional hunter and tour guide in Zimbabwe.

The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that around January this year, Chidawu heard that Chapfika was looking for a vehicle for his daughter.

Chidawu and his accomplice Robert Zuwani, who is on the run, misrepresented to Chapfika that they were in the business of buying and selling second hand vehicles from South Africa.

Chidawu advised the politician to make arrangements to meet Zuwani, whom he said was based in South Africa.

It is alleged that Chapfika travelled to South Africa and met Zuwani, who showed him vehicles in different car sales.

Chapfika was interested in an ML Mercedes Benz 2014 model, which was selling for R281 000 equivalent to $20 200.

The parties agreed to finalise the deal in Harare.

It is alleged that on March 22, Chidawu, Zuwani and Chapfika met in Harare and a payment of $2 000 was made to Zuwani through EcoCash number 0779034811.

Chidawu and Zuwani promised to bring the vehicle to Beitbridge the following day.

Chapfika instructed his driver to meet Chidawu and Zuwani at the border post and pay the remaining $18 200.

As planned, Chapfika’s driver went to Beitbridge and gave the pair the money and they promised to deliver the vehicle on March 25.

The legislator waited for the delivery of the vehicle but it never came.

Chidawu and his accomplice became evasive, prompting Chapfika to report the matter to the police.

Chapfika lost $20 200 and nothing was recovered.