Harare duo charged in US$1.35million fraud case

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Two Harare men, Blessing Nhapata (40) and Challenge Phiri (40), have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of defrauding the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) of US$1.35 million.

The pair allegedly conspired on September 10, 2024, to hack the email account of Parrence Chikerema, a GMB accountant. Using the compromised email, they sent fraudulent instructions to both Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe and AFC Bank, requesting transfers of US$1.2 million and US$150,000, respectively, into Success Microfinance Treasury’s account.

The alleged fraud was discovered, and the matter was reported to Harare Central Police Station, leading to their arrest. The complainant, GMB, is represented by the company’s integrity officer, Misheck Mupondiwa.

The duo was remanded in custody by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and is set to return to court for a bail application today, Friday.