Agent faces US$58k trust property theft
A 27-YEAR-OLD Harare man has appeared in court on two counts of theft of trust property involving nearly US$58 000 meant for the importation of vehicles from Japan.
Takudzwa Naison Mbedzi was remanded to February 23 pending completion of investigations.
Between June 2 and November 1, 2025, Mbedzi allegedly received US$47 460 from Kagoro as payment for seven vehicles. However, instead of purchasing the cars, he allegedly converted the money to own use.
Prosecutors allege that in June last year, Roy Kagoro (38) engaged Mbedzi — a Be Forward agent — to import vehicles on his behalf. The two are related, with Mbedzi said to be Kagoro’s nephew.
When the vehicles were not delivered within the agreed timeframe, Kagoro reportedly confronted Mbedzi, who allegedly admitted using the money and promised to repay him.
He later became evasive, leading Kagoro to file a police report.
Police say nothing has been recovered.
In a separate count, Mbedzi is accused of defrauding Energy Kufandiriri of US$11 940.
The court heard that between October 22 and 23 last year, Kufandiriri engaged Mbedzi to import two vehicles and paid him the full amount. Instead of facilitating the purchase, Mbedzi allegedly diverted the funds to personal use.
After the six-week delivery period expired without the vehicles arriving, Kufandiriri made a follow-up.
Mbedzi allegedly admitted using the money and indicated that he was working on reimbursing him.
Kufandiriri reported the matter to the police, leading to Mbedzi’s arrest.
Nothing has been recovered from the second amount. _*NewsDay*_
