Businessman loses US$90 000 to conmen

A Chinese businessman was allegedly swindled of almost US$90 000 after he was made to pay rentals in advance for a building that belonged to businessman and politician Mr Christopher Chigumba, without his knowledge.

One of the suspects, Hanif Khan of Belvedere, has been arrested and appeared in court yesterday charged with fraud.

Harare magistrate Mr Archie Wochiunga remanded Khan out of custody to March 23 on US$300 bail.

Prosecutor Mrs Phyllis Zvenyika alleges that sometime in January this year, the complainant, Mr Jie Zheng Gao Richard of Vainona, wanted to expand his business and went around looking for premises to rent.

It is alleged that along the way he met one Peter Muzanenhamo who introduced him to Khan.

Khan allegedly indicated that he and his accomplice, Lix Ming — who was still at large — owned two buildings, which they wanted to let.

One such building is No. 2 Cameron Street and the other is No. 88 Rezende Street.

A lease agreement was drawn up between Khan and the complainant and the terms of the contract were outlined, the prosecutor said.

It is further alleged that the complainant paid US$88 500 in advance rentals and deposits.

However, when the complainant tried to occupy the premises at No. 2 Cameron Street, referred to in the lease agreement, he discovered that the premises were owned by Mr Chigumba and that the former parliamentarian had never entered into any lease agreement with Khan.

It also came to light that No. 2 Cameron Street referred to in the lease agreement is in actual fact No. 1 Leopold Takawira Street.

Jie Zheng made a police report leading to Khan’s arrest.