By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 26-year-old Harare resident, Ngonidzashe Levy Manjengwa, has been sentenced in the Harare Magistrate Court for two counts of fraud after producing forged documents and orchestrating a sophisticated scam that defrauded victims of a total of $20,965. The State is opposing bail.
According to reports from the National Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Manjengwa approached the General Manager of a complainant company, claiming to be the Director of Elevation Solar Solutions Private Limited. He falsely asserted that he had been awarded a tender by Dreamtec Engineering Private Limited to supply and install a 5 Kilowatt (5kva) solar project for 50 houseboats.
To support his claims, Manjengwa presented fraudulent documents with the Dreamtec Engineering letterhead and date stamp, along with a quotation for the necessary equipment required to complete the project. He persuaded the complainant to supply the materials, promising payment upon delivery.
Acting on this misrepresentation, the complainant provided Manjengwa with 20 lithium batteries, each 48 volts and 100AH. However, instead of making the promised payment, Manjengwa sold the batteries and pocketed the proceeds for personal use. The suspicious activity led to a police report, resulting in Manjengwa’s arrest.
In a separate incident, Manjengwa allegedly contacted another complainant to purchase lithium batteries valued at $950. He claimed he was buying them on behalf of his mother, stating that payment would be made through a mobile-based payment platform.
The complainant received a message that appeared to be from the mobile payment service but was ultimately fake, rendering the funds unrecoverable. The total losses suffered by the victims amount to $20,965, with nothing recovered.
The Harare Magistrate Court’s decision to convict Manjengwa underscores the severity of the charges against him, as authorities continue to crack down on fraudulent activities in the region. As the State pursues efforts to oppose his bail, the case highlights the need for heightened vigilance against scams that exploit unsuspecting individuals and businesses.